RHINELANDER - The Wisconsin State Senate passes a bill Tuesday that would allow hunters to carry uncased firearms.

The bill, which is backed by Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, would make it legal to carry an uncased, unloaded gun 26 inches long or longer in your car.

It would also make it legal to carry an unloaded bow or crossbow outside of a case.

Mitch Mode is the owner of Mel's Trading Post in Rhinelander.

He's also a hunter.

Mode says this bill would make hunting a little more convenient, but he says he wouldn't benefit from it too much, saying, "When I trasnport a firearm, it's more protected in the case from getting banged around, certainly from getting dirt in the muzzle, in the bore of the gun. If it's passed, I don't think it'll change mine a lot, I'll probably be more inclined to have an unzipped case, but I'll still put it in the case, because it's going to protect the gun."

Mode says the biggest concern about this bill would probably come from law enforcement.

He says uncased weapons could potentially become a danger for field wardens.

Under the current law a firearm must be stored in a closed case, while inside of a vehicle.

The National Rifle Association and other gun rights groups support the change, saying it's a step in the right direction on easing gun control.

The bill will now go to the State Assembly for a vote.