Columbus, OH –-(Ammoland.com)- The epic battle of man vs. wolves continues to play out in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin this winter.
In Minnesota, hunters registered 147 wolves during the early portion of the state’s first wolf season that ended Nov. 18 2012, 53 fewer than the statewide total harvest target of 200, according to Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The wolf harvest trend closely mirrored the state’s deer harvest trend.
“The harvest was highest at the beginning of the season then declined as fewer hunters returned afield,” said Dan Stark, DNR large carnivore specialist. “It’s been a smooth start to the state’s first regulated wolf season. Interest was strong. Harvest is well within expectations.”
Wolf hunting seasons closed early in several Minnesota hunting zones as hunters met the quota for their region, despite the overall state quota falling short. The DNR anticipated slight overages or underage’s in the number of wolves killed while establishing its management plan. Stark said targets were established as guidelines not absolute quotas and that late season targets will be adjusted based on the early season harvest.
The late wolf hunting and trapping season began on Nov. 24 and will conclude Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, provided late season harvest targets in each of Minnesota’s three wolf zones are not met before that time. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to monitor the DNR website daily to ensure their season is open.
Across the border in Wisconsin, 2 of 6 zones were already closed on Monday November 26 because hunters had neared the established wolf quota for those zones. This was the result of only 22 wolves being killed, with the statewide quota being 92 wolves. The remaining 4 wolf hunting zones will remain open until the season closes or harvest objectives are met. Hunters can call (855) 299-9653 to keep abreast of the quota status in their region.
About: The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.