Wisconsin DNR hears from public about wolf hunt

Supporters and critics of the wolf hunting and trapping season scheduled to start this fall are trying to change some of the details the D-N-R is proposing.

The DNR says between 143 and 233 gray wolves should be killed in the season scheduled to start October 15. But the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation says that proposed quota is too low to make enough of a dent in Wisconsin’s wolf population of about 850. Federation Executive Director George Meyer says the kill target should be 300 wolves because treaty rights give Chippewa tribes claim to some of the animals.

Meyer says if the DNR’s proposal goes through, as few as 90 wolves could be taken by hunters and trappers. Meyer also wants more hunting permits to be issued because he thinks the DNR is overestimating how successful the hunters will be. A DNR-sponsored meeting in Fond du Lac last night generally brought out support for wolf hunting and trapping. But young Madison resident Zoe White says the DNR should change its zone plan to ban hunting in the far northwoods, where many wolves are far from people and livestock.

DNR officials say they also have some concerns about the wolf hunting law passed this year by state lawmakers. Another public meeting on the hunting rules will be held tonight in Rhinelander, and rules package is slated to go to the DNR board July 17th.