Application Deadline For Wolf-Hunting Permits Is One Week Away

The deadline for interested wolf hunters and trappers to apply for a 2013 season permit is quickly approaching.

The number of applications for 2013 is down compared to last year at this point, but Department of Natural Resources officials say that isn’t surprising. Large carnivores specialist Dave MacFarland says this year’s deadline – August 1 – is earlier than last year’s, but he doesn’t expect the change to affect the final number of applicants.

“We normally get a large number of applications just prior to the deadline,” says MacFarland. “It’s a little premature to know where we’ll stand in comparison to last year.”

The quota for the upcoming wolf season is set at 275, which is 74 more than last year. McFarland says the increase will help the DNR reach its goal of having 350 wolves in the state. There are currently around 800 wolves in Wisconsin.

The number of applicants for the 2013 season has already exceeded the number of licenses that will be allocated.