GOP Lawmakers Say State Wildlife Regulators Should Set Statewide Population Goals for Wolves

Monday, September 25th, 2023 -- 9:01 AM

(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) GOP lawmakers say state wildlife regulators should set a statewide population goal for managing wolves in Wisconsin that provides clarity for a wolf hunt if the animal is delisted as an endangered species.

According to Danielle Kaeding with the Wisconsin Public Radio, the DNR has been working on the first major update of its wolf management plan in more than two decades. The last plan approved in 1999 and revised in 2007 set a population goal of 350 wolves.

When it was first written, Wisconsin had roughly 250 wolves. Since then, DNR data shows the animal’s population has grown four times that number to nearly 1,000 wolves and appears to be stabilizing.

State wildlife regulators nixed a population goal when the agency first released its draft plan last November. Republican lawmakers Sen. Rob Stafsholt, R-New Richmond, and Rep. Chanz Green, R-Grand View, authored a bill that would require the agency to include a statewide population goal in its plan.

Last month, the agency released a revised draft of its wolf management plan that would seek to maintain the population at levels between 800 and 1,200 wolves. Stafsholt said the plan should contain a numeric goal to remain consistent with prior versions. "This bill just requires that for the purpose of delisting and consistency that there is a population goal in there," Stafsholt said.

Green added that other states like Idaho and Wyoming identify goals for managing their wolf populations. State Sen. Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit, pressed Stafsholt several times for his ideal population goal.

The GOP lawmaker wouldn’t provide a figure, saying that should come from a separate process. Spreitzer said the state should first focus on sustainable management of the wolf population if or when the animal is delisted.

"Let's give it a try for a couple of years. If there's problems, let's look at legislation then," Spreitzer said. "But let's not jump the gun." Stafsholt said groups fear they won't be able to harvest a certain number of wolves without a specific goal. State law mandates a hunting season when the wolf isn’t under federal protection.

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