2008 Woodie Awards
Wisconsin considers legalization of wolf hunting to manage population
By Kaleigh Ward
- Wisconsin is considering legalizing wolf hunting
- Overpopulation is causing problems for farmers, livestock, hunters, and dogs
- Legalization could occur in the next three years, hunting would be used for population management
- There is dissent among Wisconsin citizens over the issue
Wolves may soon be caught in the crosshairs of Wisconsin hunters. Many Wisconsin citizens may find this surprising, as it has been illegal to hunt wolves for over 50 years due to their endangered status.
However, Adrian Wydeven, director of the Wolf Management Program for Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources, said wolves were removed from the state's Endangered Species List in 2004 as well as the National List in 2007.
While the recovery of the wolf population is relieving for many, the rapid growth of the species has posed problems for farmers, livestock, hunters and hounds, to name a few.
Wydeven said wolves have been attacking livestock on farmers' land more frequently than in past years. Hunting hounds are also a main target, though domestic dogs have been attacked as well. In 2007, 30 farms experienced attacks on livestock and wolves in Wisconsin have killed 14 dogs this year alone.
"Hunting is used as a management tool in Wisconsin. It is used as a last resort to control populations," Wydeven said.
Thomas Remington, manager of U.S. Hunting Today, a national hunting organization, said he believes hunting is one of the best tools for managing game populations.
"Wolves killing off game animals does not sit well with hunters," Remington said. "To sit and watch this be destroyed is difficult to take." However, he said he believes "the decision should rest with the state of Wisconsin."
Wydeven said the Department of Endangered Resources is in the process of developing a framework for a wolf hunt.
Next year, these proposals will be brought to the DNR. After this step is complete, legislators can propose the idea to the Wisconsin legislation. If approved, the DNR is responsible for determining rules for a wolf hunt. These rules must be proposed in public hearings and approved by the Natural Resource Board before legalization can occur.
Published: 8/25/08 Section: News
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