DNR to extend wolf hunting license application deadline to Sept. 7
CONTACT: Bill Cosh, agency spokesperson (608) 267-2773
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=2494
MADISON – This afternoon Dane County Circuit Judge Peter C. Anderson issued a partial injunction involving the use of dogs for Wisconsin’s wolf season. Judge Anderson’s partial injunction makes it clear that Wisconsin’s wolf season will proceed. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources official say some individuals may have decided to wait for today’s ruling prior to purchasing a wolf application. Considering the importance of getting a preference point in this initial season, the DNR will be extending the wolf application deadline until Sept. 7. The initial deadline to apply for a permit had been Aug 31.
“We’ve heard from hunters, trappers and conservation organizations that the uncertainty about whether or not there would be a wolf hunting and trapping season this year as a result of this lawsuit has caused some potential applicants to adopt a wait and see position,” said Kurt Thiede, DNR administrator of lands. “Since the judge’s ruling and the original application deadline happened to fall in the same day, Aug. 31, folks wouldn’t have much time to react if they did in fact want to apply for a permit. This extension gives them some breathing room to do that.”
The department will issue 1,160 wolf harvest licenses through a drawing that will take place shortly after the close of the permit application period. A permit application costs $10 and can be purchased through any license vendor, online, by phone at 1-877-945-4236 toll free, or at a DNR Service Center.
People selected in the drawing will be notified by mail. Those not selected will receive one preference point toward future drawings. People selected in the drawing can then purchase a wolf harvest license for $100 for residents and $500 for nonresidents. The full season runs Oct. 15 to Feb. 28, 2013. More information on the hunt including the regulations is available on the DNR webpage dnr.wi.us search for the keyword “wolf”.