1)   In all four drafts of the plan, wolves are managed under
differently in four separate zones. In the second draft, Zone 1, which includes
the largest and best wolf habitat, had core areas in which, "Wolves would be
controlled only to protect human health and safety." The third and forth drafts
eliminate these core areas, allowing livetrapping, translocation and lethal control.
ASK THE BOARD TO REINSTATE THE CORE AREAS INTO THE PLAN.

2)   In the second draft, hunting wolves was to be considered
five years after the plan's approval, and only if the population was over 350. In the
third draft, the plan recommends the DNR, "begin the process of obtaining
legislative authority for a controlled public harvest"  two years prior to
the population reaching 350. The BNR has since moved to "have a trigger at 350 for
control" of the wolves, and a review of DNR literature has shown that they are already
working on a proposal to open up a hunting season on wolves, including allowing
the use of dog pack hunting.
ASK THAT THE PROVISIONS FOR A PUBLIC HUNT BE REMOVED ENTIRELY.

3)   The second draft reduced numbers needed for state delisting
from 300 to 250 but set a goal of at least 350 wolves. The third draft stated that 350
wolves would not mandate a wolf hunt. Now the board is moving towards making
a population of 350 the cap on wolves in the state.
ASK THAT THERE BE NO CAP ON THE WOLF POPULATION.

4)   Scientists are still debating the minimum number needed for a
viable and sustainable wolf population. Currently the BNR is leaning towards the
lowest figures available, apparently caving in to pressure from the agricultural and
ranching communities to delist the wolf. Any decision to down-list the wolf from
endangered to threatened, or delist the wolf entirely must be made with caution,
using high population estimates that guarantee continuous viable population.
The still-prevalent public attitudes against the wolf make it clear that Wisconsin is
not socially ready to remove them from the endangered list.
ASK THE WOLF BE KEPT ON THE ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST.

WRITE OR CALL:

Trygve Solberg, Chair
Natural Resource Board
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7420