As of Wednesday, Dec. 26, hunters and trappers had registered a total of 344 gray wolves towards the target of 400. This total includes the 147 taken during the early firearms season.
The east central and northeast zones are closed as they have reached their targets. This leaves 56 that could still be taken in the northwest zone by the time the season would end on Jan. 31. My understanding is that the majority have been taken by trapping during the late season. All nine in the east central zone were taken by trappers.
We’ve had more winter to date than at this time last year but the deer herd should be in good shape going into the winter. A late start to winter bodes well for deer to give them a good start to get through winter.
With more snow on the ground now compared to last winter, it will be interesting to see how the expanding wild turkey population does. Hopefully they can adapt to the kinds of foods available to them this far north.
Dave Dickey is a retired DNR Area Wildlife Manager.