News

Rules & quota set for Wisconsin wolf hunt

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Board approved the quota, zones and rules for a wolf hunt in the state this fall. After hearing testimony from more than 40 people, the board approved three amendments to the original proposal:

1. Any wolf caught in a trap will be humanely dispatched
2. There will be a zero wolf quota on the Stockbridge-Munsee tribal reservation
3. The department will gather all possible data before the board votes on a permanent rule and the department will come back to the board in September with a timeline for updating the wolf management plan.

The Board approved a quota of up to 201wolves that could be harvested during the first season. The available quota and permits available to nontribal hunters and trappers will be determined after tribes make their declarations of the harvest quota for the Ceded Territory. The season will run October 15, 2012 through February 28, 2013.

Permit sales will begin August 1. All hunters will be eligible to receive a wolf harvest permit in a drawing during the first year. Unsuccessful hunters will be awarded a preference point. Permit applications may be purchased at any ALIS license vendor, online and by telephone. The permit application fee is $10. The license fee is $100 for residents; $500 for nonresidents.

•  License: Wolf trapping and hunting license combined
•  Fees: Application fee $10, License fee $100 resident and $500 non-resident
•  Use of fees: License and application fees fund wolf depredation payments first and then other wolf mgt. costs
•  License transfer: Allowed by application to DNR no later than 15 days before season
•  Preference system: One half random drawing; one half by drawing based on preference
•  Season dates: October 15 to end of February
•  Legal Weapons: Firearms, bows, crossbows
•  Shot size: Larger than BB allowed
•  Dogs: May use up to 6 dogs in a pack to track or trail wolves beginning day after Nov. gun deer season
•  Night Hunting: Legal option beginning day after Nov. gun deer season
•  Use of Lights: Flashlights only at point of kill
•  Cable restraints: Shall be allowed as a trapping method
•  Baiting: Shall be allowed but regulated
•  Calling: Allowed including electronic calls
•  Trapping: Shall be allowed with specific regulations
•  Reporting and registration of harvest: required