DNR Ends Wolf Hunt After Quota Is Exceeded

The Department of Natural Resources ended the wolf hunting season on Friday at noon by closing the final open hunting zone will close.

As of Thursday, the agency said it knew of 151 wolf kills, which is one higher than the quota it set earlier this year. DNR wildlife management director Tom Hauge said that even though the kill total exceeded the quota, the state couldn’t halt the hunt immediately.

“Not everybody is hanging by the radio or watching for a press report, so we are required to provide 24 hours notice of any season closure,” he said.

Hauge said he wouldn’t be surprised if the wolf kill total rises above 151. He also said he believes some of the wolves killed since Sunday were by hunters using dogs. Dogs weren’t allowed in the hunt until after the end of the gun deer season.