Gun law's difficult target

While Wisconsin's concealed carry law goes into effect Nov. 1, a place where people can get the required training could be problematic.

Muskego and New Berlin residents are pretty much on their own to find classes that will satisfy the new law's training requirement. Both police departments said they don't offer classes. While state Department of Natural Resources hunter safety classes will satisfy the law's minimum training requirements, both the New Berlin and Muskego recreation departments have finished their hunter safety classes for the year.

Muskego officials don't know if a hunter safety class can be offered in 2012 because a new instructor must be found. For now, they are directing inquiries to the DNR website to locate the nearest hunter safety classes. Go to http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/hunted.htm and click on "upcoming courses."

New Berlin will offer hunter safety again, probably in February or March, and the department also is developing a concealed carry class for next year.

While neither community has a gun shop or outdoor sports stores that might offer classes, traveling concealed training courses have and will come to hotels in New Berlin.

Key training component

Proof of acceptable training is needed to obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon.

Although hunter safety courses are good enough to satisfy the law's license requirement, New Berlin Police Chief Joe Reider said they fall far short of protecting the owner of a firearm from financial ruin if they use the gun improperly.

Civil, if not criminal, proceedings follow a shooting, Reider said.

Reider strongly advocates a class that covers more than just firing mechanics. People need to know when they are justified to use deadly force, he said, which means the teachers need to know the law specific to Wisconsin.

Beyond that, the new concealed carry law is specific about the kind of instructor required. See the Department of Justice home page, www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/ConcealedCarry/ConcealedCarry.asp.

Endorsing WCTC's class

Reider said the best class he knows of that teaches both gun handling and the legal aspects is at WCTC.

Classes there will resume Jan. 14 at the Pewaukee campus, 800 Main St. The six-hour course costs $85. Many sessions are scheduled and registrations are being accepted online at wctc.edu/cjtraining and click on "concealed carry for civilians." More information is available at 262-691-5070.

AT A GLANCE

Training required to get a concealed carry license can be any of the following:

The hunter education program established by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or a substantially similar program that is established by another state, country, or province and that is recognized by DNR.

A firearms safety or training course that is conducted by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors.

A firearms safety or training course offered by a law enforcement agency

A firearms safety or training course taught by an instructor who is certified by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors or by an instructor certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and offered by a technical college, a college or university, a private or public institution or organization, or a firearms training school.

A firearms safety or training course that is offered to law enforcement officers or to owners and employees of licensed private detective and security agencies.

A firearms safety or training course conducted by a firearms instructor who is certified by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors or who is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Documentation of having completed military, law enforcement or security training that gave experience with firearms that is substantially equivalent to a course or program of the kind described.

An online course will not fulfill the training requirement.