DNR decides who can hunt wolves
MADISON, Wis. — A judge has refused to throw out a lawsuit challenging the use of dogs in this winter’s wolf hunt.
Legislation creating the hunt allows hunters to use dogs. A group of humane societies filed a lawsuit last month alleging Department of Natural Resources rules enacting the hunt don’t include any restrictions on dog training or use, setting up deadly dog-wolf fights in the woods.
The DNR asked Anderson to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing dog use doesn’t harm the humane societies and the hunt legislation authorizes their use.
Dane County Judge Peter C. Anderson ruled Friday the societies have shown they may have to expend extra resources to take care of injured dogs and wolves. He says he believes the Legislature meant for the DNR to at least consider dog restrictions.
“In light of Judge Anderson’s decision to not rule in favor of the department’s motion to dismiss, we will continue to discuss our options with our legal team and develop a strategy in the coming weeks,” DNR spokesman Spokesman Bill Cosh said. “The goal would be to ultimately resolve this issue prior to Nov. 26; the day when the use of dogs for wolf hunting would begin.”
Earlier Friday, Wisconsin wildlife officials decided who can hunt wolves this winter.
Department of Natural Resources officials said 20,272 hunters, including 486 from outside the state, applied for a permit to hunt or trap wolves. The DNR chose 1,160 applicants through a random computer lottery on Wednesday.
The agency said 1,145 Wisconsin residents and 15 nonresidents won authorization to buy a permit. They cost $100 for state residents and $500 for nonresidents.
The first season is scheduled to begin Oct. 15 and run through the end of February. DNR rules enacting the hunt call for a total statewide quota of 201 wolves. The state’s Chippewa tribes have exclusive right to 85 of them, leaving 116 for state-licensed hunters.