After a hunting season in Wisconsin killed off 218 gray wolves, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing a kill quota of 130 for the November 2021 hunting season. According to their board agenda item, this move is “to maintain the long-term sustainability of the population as the Department undertakes development of a Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan which will provide the framework for future population management.”
The gray wolf was removed from the Endangered Species List earlier this year, forcing states to attempt to curb the overhunting of the species. Per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the board will finalize their decision on Aug. 11, 2021. However, some animal rights activists and critics believe this could be a dangerous move. “I think 130 is too high given the unknowns we have out there,” Adrian Wydeven, a former wolf biologist for the state said.
The hunting has led to a “5% decline” in the state’s estimated 1,136 wolves. The number will go down further as breeding has declined “due to breeding females killed during the February season and disruption of packs.”
