DNR Seeking Public Comment On Fall 2021 Wolf Harvest Season And Future Of Wolf Management
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it is seeking public input on the next 10 years of wolf management in Wisconsin. The DNR simultaneously requests public comment on the fall 2021 wolf harvest season through the same online input tool.
The public comment period will be open April 15 to May 15 during which the online input tool will available on the DNR Wolf management plan webpage.
As part of the management plan revision process, the DNR will convene a Wolf Management Plan Committee (WMPC). Ahead of the summer WMPC meetings, the DNR encourages the public to provide input on the next 10 years of wolf management in Wisconsin.
Following the public comment period on wolf management's future in Wisconsin, the WMPC will provide input to the DNR for developing an updated wolf management plan. The committee will comprise stakeholder groups, including hunting/trapping organizations, wolf advocacy/education organizations and agricultural/ranching organizations. The DNR also reserves additional seats on the WMPC for invited tribal and governmental agencies, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and DNR technical staff support.
The DNR will write an initial draft of the wolf plan, guided by science and input from the WMPC and the public. The draft plan will be made available for public review and comment. The DNR will then submit a final draft to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) for approval in mid-2022.
The DNR is also simultaneously working to prepare for a fall 2021 wolf harvest season through a transparent and science-based process. The DNR has convened a 2021 Wolf Harvest Advisory Committee to provide input on the fall season's management objectives and harvest quota. The committee will consider the current management plan, state statute and the February 2021 season report in providing input to the department.
Throughout the process, the DNR will also coordinate with tribal partners and seek further public input on harvest objectives.
Visit the DNR's website for more information on the wolf management plan and the Fall 2021 wolf harvest season.
WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Wisconsin DNR is in the process of updating our state's wolf management plan. The DNR is committed to a transparent, deliberative and inclusive management plan update process that recognizes the diversity of interest areas regarding wolf management.
Today, the Wisconsin DNR manages wolves following the current Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan and in accordance with state statute. The plan underwent a review process in 2005-06 and was updated in 2007. Wisconsin's wolf population has changed in the years since the current management plan was last reviewed. In that time, our understanding of population dynamics has improved as well. The current process to revise Wisconsin's wolf management plan will equip the DNR and stakeholders with scientifically sound and culturally relevant management of this iconic, native species.
WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE PROCESS
The wolf management plan provides overall guidance to the state’s wolf management efforts. During the plan update process, the DNR will collect extensive public input through a wolf management plan committee, an online questionnaire and an opportunity to review and comment on an initial draft of the management plan. Throughout the process, the DNR will work closely with our tribal partners and other natural resource professionals involved in wolf management in Wisconsin.
UPDATE TIMELINE
February - March 2021
- Invite Tribal Partners: The DNR invites tribal participation and membership on the new WMPC.
- WMPC Application Opens: The application period opens for stakeholder organizations to apply for a seat on the committee.
April 2021
- Public Input Open April 15 - May 15: The public is invited to comment on the future of wolf management in Wisconsin.
July - October 2021
- WMPC Meetings: The WMPC convenes for a series of four meetings to discuss recommendations for the revised wolf management plan.
November 2021 - January 2022
- The DNR drafts a revised wolf management plan based on the best available science, public input and WMPC recommendations.
February 2022
- Draft Available For Public Input: The DNR seeks public input on the initial draft of the revised wolf management plan.
- Public Information Sessions: The DNR hosts two public information sessions before preparing for a final draft of the revised wolf management plan.
March - May 2022
- The DNR revises the draft plan based on public input.
June 2022
- Final Plan Draft Presented to Natural Resources Board: The NRB reviews and considers approval of the updated wolf management plan.
PUBLIC INPUT
The DNR is developing an online public questionnaire that will be used to collect extensive public input on wolf management from all interested individuals. This input will be used by the DNR to guide both short-term (fall 2021 harvest) and long-term (management plan) management objectives.
This questionnaire will be launched on this page in spring 2021.
Responses to the questionnaire will be used alongside the DNR's extensive, scientific 2014 survey on Wisconsinites' attitudes toward wolves. At the time this survey was conducted, wolves were under state management, including annual regulated harvest seasons. The information gained remains relevant today and will be considered throughout the wolf management plan update process. You can read the full report on the survey here.
WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN COMMITTEE
A new wolf management plan committee (WMPC) will be formed through an application process in spring 2021. The WMPC’s purpose is to provide input and recommendations to the DNR, ultimately resulting in a wolf management plan with broad public and scientific support.
The WMPC will be an inclusive and diverse committee made up of individuals representing hunting/trapping organizations, wolf advocacy/education organizations and agricultural/ranching organizations. In addition to these stakeholder seats, representation by certain government agencies, tribes and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress will also be invited by the Department.
To learn more about the WMPC purpose, membership, and specifications, check out the committee charter.
Stakeholder organizations interested in joining the committee were encouraged to apply before March 19th. The applications are now closed.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WISCONSIN'S WOLF POPULATION AND MANAGEMENT
Visit our page on wolves in Wisconsin to learn more about our state's wolf population and how the DNR manages wolves. To learn more about wolf confilict management, visit the wolf depredation page.