Wisconsin Wolf Hunting and Trapping Season Begins Oct. 15
OutdoorHub 10.02.13
Wisconsin’s second wolf hunting and trapping season begins Oct. 15 in all six harvest zones across the state.
Between opening day and Feb. 28, 2014, up to 2,510 permit holders will take to the field in pursuit of 251 total wolves harvestable by state-licensed hunters and trappers.
“Above all, we want to have another safe, successful hunt like last year,” said Dave MacFarland, Department of Natural Resources carnivore specialist. “Our goal remains to reduce the population in accordance with the wolf management plan. The 2013 quota is designed to begin the process of population reduction.”
The wolf season runs until Feb. 28, 2014. However, if harvest levels reach the quota for a zone, the department will enact an emergency closure in that zone. Zone closures take effect at least 24 hours after the department announces the closure.
Out of the total harvestable amount, 76 wolves can be hunted or trapped in Zone 1, 28 in Zone 2, 71 in Zone 3, 12 in zone 4, 34 in Zone 5, and 30 in Zone 6.
When zones are closed, DNR will announce such closures by news releases, notification on the DNR web site, and on the wolf call-in number, 1-855-299-9653.
“It is the hunter’s and trapper’s responsibility to check for and know about zone closures,” said MacFarland. “Therefore we encourage hunters and trappers to check the website or the call-in number daily.”
Successful applicants can purchase a wolf harvest licenses at any license sales location or online at dnr.wi.gov now or during the season. The cost is $49 for residents, and $251 for nonresidents.
A wolf license authorizes both hunting and trapping. The license holder must meet the appropriate education requirements for trapping, Hunter Education, or must be participating in the Hunting Mentorship program.
Anyone seeking additional information about the hunt, or if they would like to receive email updates about harvest and zone information, should call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-936-7463. The Call Center is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
For more information on the wolf hunt, regulations, and maps, please visit dnr.wi.gov and search “wolf.”
