Michigan Senate Approves Wolf Hunting Bill
OutdoorHub Reporters 12.09.16
Michigan lawmakers are in talks again, working to authorize wolf hunting in the state.
The Senate recently approved legislation that could potentially designate wolves as a game species. The bill was sent to the GOP-led House, where a committee swiftly approved it, setting the stage for one final vote, which will take place next week.
Signs of a wolf living in the states lower peninsula were first discovered by tribal biologists with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, and trail camera photos were later recovered that appeared to show an adult wolf. “We have had some tracks and potential sightings, but genetic testing gives us a definitive confirmation,” said Kevin Swanson, DNR bear and wolf specialist.
Michigan is one of a few states that has a significant wolf population, but all of the roughly 630 animals in the state were believed to be residing in the Upper Peninsula.
In another previous OutdoorHub article, a training session for hunting dogs ended in tragedy when 9 beagles were found dead, believed to have been killed by wolves.
Wolf hunting is currently illegal in the state of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. In 2014, the Michigan state Court of Appeals shut down two laws that would have allowed wolf hunts. From the sound of it, hunters who are eagerly waiting for this ruling won’t have to wait much longer.
