RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — A Manitowoc man will not face felony charges after he accidentally shot an endangered Black Wolf while hunting deer in Oneida County.
WAOW TV reports Steven Kohl, 49, had charges against him dropped to one misdemeanor count of intentional violation of an endangered species during a court appearance on Wednesday.
Kohl told wildlife officials that he accidentally shot the wolf during the 2017 deer opener while hunting from a tree stand. He says a pack of 4 or 5 wolves came across swampland, and that he shot at the “large black one,” not knowing he hit it.
Wildlife officials were tipped off to the wolf’s death through a tracking device on its leg. Additionally, Kohl and the landowner were cited for illegally feeding/hunting deer because they had placed corn on the ground near the tree stand. Both admitted to knowing the practice is illegal.
No trial date for Kohl has been set.