The state’s first wolf hunt may be over well before the scheduled closing in late February. The Department of Natural Resources says only 26 wolves are still available to hunters and trappers with permits.
Hunters have harvested 90 grey wolves since the state’s controversial season started on October 15th. Of those, 55 animals were trapped and the rest were shot.
The inaugural season was expected to run through February 28th, but it will end once hunters report the quota of 116 wolves harvested. The DNR has already closed two of the six hunting zones, because their quotas were close to being reached.
Hunters have not been able to use dogs to sniff out their prey. A judge issued a temporary injunction against the practice, after animal rights groups claimed it would kill dogs that are no match against the more aggressive wolves. A court hearing is set for December 20th in Madison.