Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wolf Permit Drawing Will Occur Today

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Wolf Permit Drawing Will Occur Today
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/15/2013

Nearly 17,000 people submitted applications for this year's wolf hunting season. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, that number will be narrowed down to about 2,500 permits today.

"This is Wisconsin's second state-managed wolf hunt, and a continued testament to the recovery of wolves in Wisconsin," said Dave MacFarland, DNR carnivore specialist. "As we did for the inaugural hunt, we are entering this second season cautiously and will continue to learn valuable information for updating the state's wolf management plan and adopting permanent wolf hunting rules. We are anticipating another successful, safe, season."

The wolf quota, as recommended by the Wolf Advisory Committee and approved by the Natural Resources Board, was set at 275. However, the number of wolves available for harvest by state hunters and trappers has been adjusted to 251, in response to the recent declaration of wolves by the Chippewa Bands of Wisconsin.

In order to meet management objectives, putting downward pressure on the population, the number of wolves removed from the landscape needs to increase this year, said MacFarland.

One half of available permits will be issued randomly among all permit applications and the second half will be issued through a cumulative preference point drawing. Successful applicants will be notified by letter. Applicants who are not successful in the drawing will be awarded a preference point toward future drawings.

The 2013 wolf season starts October 15 and will run until the quota is reached in each zone or the last day of February, whichever occurs first.

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