DNR releases preliminary rules for state wolf hunt

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources released a snapshot this week of what the state’s wolf season could look like.

The preliminary rules include a harvest quota of between 142 and 233 wolves and a season that would run from Oct. 15 to the end of February. Areas like northern Douglas County, considered less suitable ranges for wolves, would have higher harvest rates. An application fee would cost $10.

The combined wolf trapping and hunting license fee would be $100 for residents, $500 for non-residents. Wolves could be hunted with firearms, bows and crossbows.

The population of wolves in Wisconsin has grown from 373 in 2004 to an estimated minimum of 815 to 880 wolves over the winter. The DNR’s wolf management plan allows harvesting of wolves if the state population exceeds 350.

Earlier this year, the federal government delisted the gray wolf from the endangered species list for the Western Great Lakes Region.

This spring, Act 169 was passed by the Wisconsin Legislature and signed by the governor, directing the DNR to develop a wolf hunting and trapping season rule, harvest management zones, harvest quotas and hunter and trapper permit levels.

Residents can make their opinions on the preliminary rules known at a number of meetings being held throughout the state or through an online survey on the DNR’s website, http://dnr.wi.gov. Type in the keyword “wolf” to find both the wolf season information and survey.

The goal of the first wolf hunting and trapping season will be to provide wolf hunting and trapping opportunities, begin to move the wolf population toward the established goal of 350 and monitor, learn and adapt for future seasons.

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