Updated Wed., 5/30 – The public will have the opportunity an upcoming meeting to provide input on the draft concepts to be included in a wolf hunting and trapping season rule that will be going to the state Natural Resources Board on July 17 in Stevens Point as an emergency rule.

The Wisconsin Legislature passed a bill calling for a wolf hunting and trapping season that the governor signed on April 2. The Department of Natural Resources has been directed to implement a wolf hunting and trapping season this fall. To do so, an emergency rule and harvest quotas and permit levels must be adopted by the Natural Resources Board.

The Natural Resources Board approved the rule scope statement on May 23.

The public meetings will include a review of the history of wolf recovery and management in Wisconsin and will focus on major rule components such as harvest management zones, as well as potential harvest quotas and hunting and trapping permits. Comments and questions are welcome.

These meetings will start with an open house for visiting with DNR staff at 6 p.m. Staff presentations will begin at 7 p.m. with time for questions and comments to follow.

The Northwoods meeting is being held Friday, June 15, in Rhinelander, in the James Williams Middle School Auditorium, 915 Acacia Lane.