Chill slows UP wolf hunt — Hitting 43 quota doubted

By Associated Press
Posted Dec. 13, 2013
Marquette

Michigan’s recent frigid weather has slowed down the state’s first wolf hunt in decades, and a state official says he doubts that the hunt will reach its quota of 43.

The season opened in three sections of the Upper Peninsula on Nov. 15, and 20 wolves had been killed by 6 a.m. Thursday. There have been no reported kills in recent days.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologist Brian Roell in Marquette tells The Mining Journal he doubts hunters will reach 43 kills by the Dec. 31 deadline.

Eleven of the wolves killed were females. Upper Peninsula residents shot 13 of them, Lower Peninsula residents shot six and a Wisconsin resident shot one. Five wolves were killed in the far western U.P., 12 in central counties and three in the Eastern U.P.

It’s the first hunt in Michigan since the wolf was placed on the endangered species list nearly 40 years ago. A total of 1,200 people are licensed to participate with firearm, crossbow or bow and arrow.

Before the season, the DNR estimated Michigan had 658 wolves.

Online:

Michigan wolf hunt: http://www.michigan.gov/wolves

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