MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Wisconsin’s first wolf hunt is getting closer to an early finish.
The state DNR said 99 grey wolves were taken as of Monday morning, out of a statewide quota of 116.
Some experts were certain that Wisconsin would not reach its quota by the time the season was due to end in late February.
DNR wildlife management director Tom Hauge said Wisconsin’s wilderness is more accessible than the rugged land out West – and that’s one reason for the faster than expected harvest. He said the agency will probably have to revisit its quota guidelines.
The quota had been 201, but Chippewa Indians decided to keep 85 wolves to which they’re entitled under centuries-old treaty rights.
Trappers have taken about 60 percent of the available wolves, and gun hunters took the rest.
Hauge says the DNR is generally pleased with the way the wolf hunt has gone. As of last week, 5 people were given wolf-related citations – two for using illegal bait and having loaded weapons in a vehicle, two for not taking trapper education courses, and one citation for having un-tagged traps.