Wolf shot in Sauk County
News Republic
A bow hunter shot a wolf Saturday near the Pine Island Wildlife Area in Sauk County, according to the DNR.
The wolf was one of two killed by hunters in the last month. Both hunters said they mistook the wolves for coyotes.
DNR conservation wardens are warning hunters that wolf sightings are becoming increasingly common in this part of the state, especially along the Wisconsin River corridor.
“Lone male wolves called dispersers are becoming more common in southwest Wisconsin,” said warden supervisor Chuck Horn, who is based in Dodgeville. “They appear to be traveling south using the riparian corridor of the Wisconsin River for food and cover.”
Depending on the circumstances, a hunter convicted of shooting a wolf could be fined $300 to $2,100, according to a DNR press release.
Horn says hunters should be able to tell the difference between Great Lakes-area wolves and coyotes.
“Two key differences are, compared to a coyote, a wolf appears massive and very long-legged, while the coyote’s ears are pointed and much larger in proportion to the size of its head,” he said.
Wisconsin’s gun deer season starts Saturday.