The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on wolves following two different tracks this spring.
The first is gearing up for the planned November wolf hunting and trapping season. The second track is formation of a new, 10-year wolf management plan.
As part of the management plan revision process, the DNR will convene a Wolf Management Plan Committee. Ahead of the summer WMPC meetings, the DNR encourages the public to provide input on the next 10 years of wolf management in Wisconsin.
The public comment period is open through May 15.
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.
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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 for approval in mid-2022. This year's second wolf season will be held under the existing management plan.
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. For more information, go to dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolfmanagementplan .
