Minn. DNR releases more details about wolf hunt

Wolves
In this February 2008 photo, gray wolves howl at an exhibit area at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minn.
AP Photo/John Flesher

Just two days before the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources takes over management of the wolf, it has announced more details about the states planned wolf hunt.

The DNR says it wants to have a conservative wolf hunt next fall; the agency is proposing a quota of 400 wolves.

The agency wants to issue 6,000 licenses to hunters and trappers. Just one license per person will be issued, and hunters would be required to register the animal the same day it is killed.

Hunters could use firearms, archery equipment, and muzzleloaders. Calls and bait would be allowed, with restrictions.

The season would start at the end of November when wolf pelts are at their prime.

Some hunters are asking for a season parallel with deer firearms season, but the DNR says that would be too hard to manage.

Minnesota's wolf population is about 3,000 animals; the DNR says the population could handle a bigger harvest but the agency wants to start slowly.