Wolf Harvest Zone 4 closed to hunting and trapping effective 6 p.m., today, Nov. 5
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has closed Wolf Harvest Zone 4 to hunting and trapping of gray wolves effective Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m. At that time, the zone is closed to any further hunting and trapping of wolves for the 2013-2014 wolf harvest season.
With this closure, a total of four wolf harvest zones have closed this season. Wolf hunters and trappers are advised that they can currently continue to pursue wolves in Zone 3 and 6.
The state wolf harvest quota for Zone 4 was set at 12 wolves and the closure process was initiated when 11 wolves were reported as harvested.
“Harvest trends in Zone 4 have been steady,” said David MacFarland, DNR large carnivore specialist. “We will be considering harvest trends as we approach quotas in the remaining zones as well. Zone 6 is approaching quota as well. So we urge hunters and trappers to be aware and be sure to check the web or call-in number before heading out.”
When additional zones are closed, the DNR will announce such closures by news releases, notification at dnr.wi.gov, and on the wolf call-in number,1-855-299-9653. It is the hunter’s and trapper’s responsibility to check for and know about zone closures. The department encourages hunters and trappers to check the website or the call-in number daily.
“Our ultimate goal is to harvest 251 wolves, distributed across the landscape,” said MacFarland. “The harvest zones are a tool by which we attempt to direct the harvest to achieve desired outcomes. The quotas concentrate hunting pressure more in areas with higher potential for conflicts, allowing for higher population densities in core habitat where potential for conflict is lower. This is our second season, and we continue to learn information about harvest success that will be valuable in future management decisions.”
For more information, please visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “wolf.”