Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wolf Season Update
Help the DNR monitor Wisconsin’s wolf population – Become a volunteer carnivore tracker!
CONTACT: Jane Wiedenhoeft, DNR wildlife biologist and track program manager, 715-762-1362
Wisconsin’s wolf monitoring program relies upon volunteers from around the state who help track the animals each winter, and those interested in becoming volunteers are encouraged to sign up for one of a number of clinics offered statewide.
Winter tracking is a great way to experience the outdoors in winter and make a contribution to natural resource management.
DNR biologists and volunteers have partnered to provide informative classes focused on aspects of wolf ecology, population biology and field study techniques.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our wolf population monitoring program,” said Jane Wiedenhoeft, DNR wildlife biologist and track program manager. “These classes provide a great opportunity to learn more about Wisconsin’s wildlife and becoming a volunteer tracker is a direct way to contribute to the scientific data the DNR relies on to manage our state’s wolf population.”
The tracking-focused class will focus on medium to large size carnivores that inhabit Wisconsin, as well as a few other common mammals. It will also provide the required training and prepare participants to conduct formal track surveys as a volunteer tracker.
The ecology-focused class will cover the history of wolves in Wisconsin, their biology and ecology, how DNR monitors the population, and state management and research.
For a list of courses offered, visit the volunteer carnivore tracking page and select the “training courses” option on the right side of the page.