To Carry or Not to Carry: Firearm Rules Uncertain
Leaves falling off trees and the crisp fall wind mean the annual return of hunter orange and dead deer strapped to vehicles.
That can pose a problem for local businesses that might have to deal with patrons carrying weapons inside their premises.
The prevalence of firearms during the deer hunt is taken in stride by most, but a recent incident in Madison brought focus to the open carry law in the state. The incident occurred when individuals brought legally holstered guns into a Culver’s restaurant, leaving some businesses to question their ability to prevent similar instances and uneasy patrons.
According to Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls, there is a thin line between reacting and overreacting. A waitress at a Beaver Dam restaurant recently asked Nehls what she should do if someone brought a firearm into the restaurant.
“I told her she should ask him if they wanted some coffee unless the restaurant has policy that is being displayed saying there are no firearms allowed in the restaurant.”
Nehls said unconcealed firearms, except for fully automatic weapons or anything that would be restricted by the federal government, are legal in many places under Wisconsin’s open carry law unless the business or group that owns the facility posts a policy against entering with a gun.
Open carry is legal in Wisconsin except where prohibited by law, such as vehicles, schools and government buildings.
“The challenge today is there are people who strongly believe in the open carry law and are trying to challenge law enforcement,” Nehls said.
If a guy was walking down Front Street in Beaver Dam with a loaded hand gun, Nehls said he would not question the man’s rights to carry the gun.
“It’d be different if someone was walking down Front Street with a rifle,” Nehls said. “That’s a little different story. Why would the guy need a scoped rifle? It would heighten anxiety.”
Beaver Dam police have received reports that guns were being brought to a public site. Without passing an ordinance, a city cannot dictate if people can carry guns in parks.
Law enforcement officers regularly carry guns when they are on and off duty.
“I know that can make people uncomfortable,” Nehls said.
If someone was robbing someone at a business, Nehls said he feels he would be expected to respond if he was there.
“I even wear my gun to church,” Nehls said.
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