DNR Increases Wolf Hunt Kill Total for Upcoming Season

The Minnesota DNR says a new survey shows there were more than 2400 wolves living in the state last winter, about 200 more than the estimate from the previous year. As a result, the DNR plans to offer 3800 hunting and trapping licenses for the 2014 season. That’s an increase of 500 from last year. The agency has also upped its harvest target to 250, which is 30 more than last season.

The early season is scheduled to begin November 8th.

The DNR will begin accepting applications for licenses August 1st. The deadline to apply for the lottery is September 4.

“Estimates show a stable population with no significant change from the 2013 estimate of 2,211 wolves,” said Dan Stark, DNR large carnivore specialist. “We will continue to evaluate the wolf population annually to ensure the wolf population remains well established across northern and central Minnesota.”

DNR’s goal for wolf management is to ensure the long term survival of wolves in Minnesota while addressing conflicts between wolves and humans.

Information on wolf hunting is available here.