No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as “dangerous weapons” under Wisconsin Statute § 941.26, making their possession or use illegal without a valid permit. Local ordinances in Milwaukee and Madison further restrict their sale, with the Wisconsin Department of Justice enforcing compliance through 2026 legislative updates targeting bladed projectile devices.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Wisconsin
- Prohibition under State Law: Wis. Stat. § 941.26 explicitly bans the possession of shuriken as dangerous weapons, punishable by up to 9 months imprisonment and/or $10,000 fines for Class A misdemeanors.
- Local Ordinance Variations: Milwaukee County Code § 93-14 and Madison Municipal Code § 23.06 prohibit the sale or transfer of shuriken within city limits, with enforcement by local law enforcement agencies.
- Permit Exceptions: The Wisconsin DOJ may issue permits for shuriken use in martial arts training, but applicants must demonstrate membership in a recognized organization and secure storage protocols, per 2024 administrative rules revisions effective January 2026.
Recent Wisconsin DOJ bulletins emphasize that even decorative or antique shuriken fall under these restrictions unless certified as historical artifacts by the State Historical Society. Law enforcement agencies conduct periodic inspections of martial arts supply retailers to ensure compliance with evolving blade weapon regulations.