Wisconsin DNR Closes Wolf Harvest Zone 1 to Hunting and Trapping, Effective 7 p.m. Oct. 30
OutdoorHub 10.30.13
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has closed Wolf Harvest Zone 1 to hunting and trapping of gray wolves effective Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7p.m. At that time, the zone is closed to any further hunting and trapping of wolves for the 2013-2014 wolf harvest season.
Wolf Harvest Zone 1 is the second zone to be closed this season. Wolf hunters and trappers are advised that they can currently continue to pursue wolves in Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6.
The state wolf harvest quota for Zone 1 was set at 76 wolves and the closure process was initiated when 72 wolves were reported as harvested.
“Harvest trends in Zone 1 have been steady with an increased harvest rate over the past few days,” said David MacFarland, DNR large carnivore specialist. “We will be considering harvest trends as we approach quotas in other zones as well. Quotas are close to being reached in other zones, such as Zone 5, though harvest rates have slowed. We encourage hunters to be aware of this and be sure to check for closures before heading out.”
When additional zones are closed, the DNR will announce such closures by news releases, notification at dnr.wi.gov, 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. The department encourages hunters and trappers to check the website or the call-in number daily.
“Our ultimate goal is to harvest 251 wolves, distributed across the landscape,” said MacFarland. “The harvest zones are a tool by which we attempt to direct the harvest to achieve desired outcomes. The quotas concentrate hunting pressure more in areas with higher potential for conflicts, allowing for higher population densities in core habitat where potential for conflict is lower. This is our second season, and we continue to learn information about harvest success that will be valuable in future management decisions.”
For more information, please visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “wolf.”
