Wolf Population in Wisconsin Recommended to be at Least 1,000 to Promote Sustainability

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources released a revised draft wolf management plan, recommending that the statewide population be kept at roughly 1,000 animals.

According to the Wisconsin Examiner, the plan aims to ensure a sustainable wolf population that provides ecological, cultural, and recreational benefits while addressing and preventing wolf-related incidents.

The wolf plan

In November, Wisconsin wildlife officials released a draft of the management plan, eliminating the state goal population and instead recommending that the advisory committees monitor the local wolf population.

But it was reported by the Associated Press that the draft received criticism from hunters, farmers, and even GOP legislators.

State Representative Chanz Green and state Senator Rob Stafsholt introduced a legislation requiring the DNR to include a statewide population goal in its new plan. The bill has yet to be heard.

The new plan released by the department does not include a precise population target; however, it includes a chart outlining guidelines for when the statewide population should be reduced, when it should be considered steady, and when it should be allowed to expand.

If the wolf population falls below 799, wildlife officials should consider expanding the statewide population, according to the proposal.

If the population is between 800 and 999 wolves, it may expand or be deemed steady. If the population is between 1,000 and 1,199 wolves, it is considered steady and might be reduced. The population should decrease if the number of animals reaches 1,200 or higher.

DNR Large Carnivore Specialist Randy Johnson stated that one of the challenges with a statewide population goal is that wolf numbers can fluctuate over time. A statewide targe would fail to address how wolves are distributed across the environment.

"It's hard to predict the future, but I think this plan is flexible and adaptable in that way to make sure it continues to reflect the science but also the public preferences as we go forward," said Johnson, as quoted by Wisconsin Public Radio.

The new draft maintains the call for limiting the window for registering wolf kills from 24 hours to eight hours and giving hunting licenses for specified wolf management zones.

Wolf licenses are currently valid in all six zones of the state.

In 1999, the department approved a wolf management plan that called for a statewide population cap of 350 wolves.

Since then, the data from the department shows the animal's population has grown four times that number to nearly 1,000 wolves and appears to be stabilizing.

Public participation

The updated proposal incorporated a wide range of public input.

The DNR formed a Wolf Management Plan Committee last November, which included 29 stakeholders such as tribal representatives, hunters, and other state residents.

The department also consulted with Wisconsin's Tribal Nations and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.

"This plan comes from years of dedicated effort and careful consideration, is flexible, actionable, and, most importantly, outlines a path toward responsible and sustainable wolf management. I am thankful to everyone who contributed, reviewed the plan or submitted a comment," DNR Secretary Adam Payne said.

The DNR's policy board is slated to decide on whether to adopt the management plan in October.

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