Wolf season harvest framework is set

Glen Schmitt
July 26, 2014

A total of 3,800 hunting and trapping licenses will be available for the 2014 wolf season, according to the Department of Natural Resources. That’s 500 more licenses than last year, and the statewide harvest target is 250 wolves, about 30 more than last season. The slight increase is based on a wolf population that is comparable to last year.

The latest population survey results reflect an estimated 470 wolf packs or about 2,423 wolves inhabiting the state’s primary wolf range this past winter. That’s 212 more wolves than were estimated during the 2013 winter survey. “Estimates show a stable population with no significant change from the 2013 estimate of 2,211 wolves,” said Dan Stark, DNR large carnivore specialist, in a news release issued Friday. “We will continue to evaluate the wolf population annually to ensure the wolf population remains well established across northern and Central Minnesota.”

The goal of DNR officials concerning wolf management is to ensure the long-term survival of wolves in the state while addressing conflicts between wolves and humans. The early wolf season begins Saturday, Nov. 8. On Aug. 1, hunters and trappers can start applying for 2,300 early season and 1,500 late-season licenses. The deadline to apply for the license lottery is Thursday, Sept. 4. Early season hunting (Season A) will again open at the same time the firearms deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 8, and run through Sunday, Nov. 23, in all Series 100 deer permit areas or through Sunday, Nov. 16, in Series 200 deer permit areas. I

n the east central zone, the early season is scheduled to be a two-day hunt concluding Sunday, Nov. 9. The zones will close earlier if the target harvest is met. Late season hunting (Season B) runs from Saturday, Nov. 29, through Saturday, Jan. 31, or when the target harvest is met, whichever occurs first. If the east central zone’s target harvest is met during the early season, the late season east central season will not open. Late season trapping (Season C) runs from Nov. 29 through Jan. 31, or when the target harvest is met. Stark added that the statewide bag limit is one wolf and licenses are not zone-specific. “Lottery winners will be notified and receive a wolf hunting booklet with their notification,” Stark said.

By the numbers Number of hunting and trapping licenses available for wolf season - 3,800 Statewide harvest target of wolves - 250.

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