Good news. Hopefully this moves forward. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/138232274.html Legislators on Friday introduced the "Wolf Management Act" to allow public hunting and trapping of gray wolves in Wisconsin. The legislation, Assembly Bill 502, was co-sponsored by Representatives Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) and Roger Rivard (R-Rice Lake). "We've got real issues with wolves up here," Rivard said, speaking by phone Friday from near Rice Lake. "It's not theoretical. They are in our back yards." Suder said the intent was to provide the Department of Natural Resources with flexibility to properly manage the state's wolf population. Current state law allows lethal control of wolves at or near depredation sites, but does not allow a public hunting or trapping season. The revenue from sales of wolf application permits and licenses would be used to offset costs of compensation to residents for wolf depredation of livestock and pets. Suder said if any money was left, it could be used by the DNR for wolf management. Following guidelines used for black bear hunting in Wisconsin, the bill would limit the number of tags available. Hunters and/or trappers could accumulate preference points to increase the odds of drawing a tag in future years. The DNR would establish the number of licenses issued. According to the initial draft, the bill would establish a wolf hunting and trapping season from "October 15th to the end of February the following year." The bill would also divide the state into four wolf managment zones. Hunters could use bows, crossbows or firearms. Bait, dogs and electronic calls would be legal, too. Trappers would be required to use cable restraints. Night hunting would be allowed after the traditional gun deer season ended in November. Hunters or trappers who killed a wolf would be required to register it by phone. The Department of Natural Resources would retain authority to close the season with 24 hours notice in order to "effectively manage the wolf population in a zone." A hearing is planned before the Assembly's Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday morning in Madison. "We've got some bipartisan support," Suder said. "I'm hopeful this bill will move ahead this session."
I've known Scott Suder for many years. Good guy. Good to see some progress being made on the wolf issue.
Good to see that they are giving sportsman more consideration, since for the most part they foot the bills. I wish I could say the same about the NY State DEC.
Sure this helps the sportsman, but it goes much deeper than that. It's the farmers, dog owners and taxpayers as well. And it's the right thing to do for everyone.
