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Natural Resources Board Says Yes to Wolf Hunt Quota

DNR pilot Phil Miller

Hunters will be able to harvest 275 wolves when Wisconsin’s second season begins on October 15. That’s a 37 percent increase over last year.DNR wildlife ecology section chief Bill Vander Zouwen says an advisory committee dominated by biologists came up with the number after hours of discussion.

As the Natural Resources Board deliberated Wednesday, it heard from state residents.  Most of those who  stepped forward felt the quota was too high. Ultimately, the Board voted unanimously in favor of the DNR’s proposal.

More work lies ahead for the department. It is charged with coming up with a permanent wolf management plan. It will replace a 1999 version that set a goal population of 350 wolves.

Based on the DNR’s most recent estimates, more than 800 wolves currently inhabit the state.

Susan is WUWM's environmental reporter.