Wisconsin DNR's Policy-Setting Board Approves Agency's Wolf Management Plan

Monday, October 30th, 2023 -- 9:00 AM

(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) With a majority of new members, the policy-setting board for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources unanimously approved the agency’s contentious wolf management plan Wednesday.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, while it is supported by conservation and environmental groups, the plan has drawn criticism from GOP lawmakers over its lack of a statewide population goal.

Last week, Senate Republicans advanced a bill that would force the agency to set a statewide target for wolves on the same day they fired four of Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees to the board.

Evers immediately appointed four new members to the board, which signed off on the plan Wednesday with minor changes to harvesting wolves in one subzone. The last wolf plan approved in 1999 and revised in 2007 set a population goal of 350 wolves.

DNR data shows the animal’s population has grown to nearly 1,000 wolves and appears to be stabilizing. The DNR said its plan would provide more flexibility in managing wolves if they’re delisted as an endangered species. The plan aims to maintain numbers between 800 and 1,200 wolves.

DNR Large Carnivore Specialist Randy Johnson told the board the range gives opposing sides reassurance that the agency isn’t looking to drastically increase or reduce the population.

He added the plan sets a solid scientific foundation that would give federal wildlife regulators confidence in the state's ability to manage wolves if the animal is delisted.

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