The Minnesota Court of Appeals today rejected a request for a preliminary injunction that would have stopped the state’s inaugural wolf hunting and trapping season.
That means the planned wolf hunting and trapping seasons will go as planned this fall and winter. Consistent with state law, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will issue 6,000 licenses, and the first season will start with the beginning of firearms deer hunting on Saturday, Nov. 3.
The late hunting and trapping season will begin on Nov. 24.
The Court of Appeals ruled that the petitioners, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Howling for Wolves, did not meet their burden of proving irreparable harm for an injunction to be issued.
“We are pleased with the court’s decision,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “It resolves any uncertainty that hunters and trappers might have had about the upcoming season.”
The petitioner’s lawsuit to challenge the way the season was established is still before the Court of Appeals and will proceed on its merits. A decision is not expected until next year.
The DNR has taken a conservative approach to the state’s first wolf season by establishing a total target harvest of 400 wolves and a mechanism to close seasons when target harvests are reached. Minnesota has a robust population of about 3,000 wolves, and the season will not have any significant impact on the population.
Consistent with the state’s wolf plan, the DNR is committed to the long-term survival of wolves in the state and resolving conflicts between humans and wolves.
To learn more, go to www.mndnr.gov/wolves.
Comments (7)
Add commentGood, everyone knows what
Good, everyone knows what happened to Red Riding Hood.
not to mention the three
not to mention the three little pigs
First one
A few days ago I saw my first wolf in this area. He was big and black (which is not a racial comment) and I wouldn't have wanted to run into him on foot.
DOS, that three
were spotted at the DFL meeting.
Libs
I bet a few people will be after that pelt. That color is a prized one. I have only seen live greys here & in Canada. One black shoulder mount in Canada & it was huge.
Is that what you use wolves for, FarmBoy?
Pelts? Is that all they're good for? I know it sounds stupid, but what does a hunter do with a wolf after it's dead...
"I know it sounds stupid, but
"I know it sounds stupid, but what does a hunter do with a wolf after it's dead..."
Trophies in the form of mounts evoking tales of these Bungalow Bill's bravery and fearlessness in the face of 'deadly harm'. What sport ........ killing an animal with a high-powered rifle for pleasure and amusement ........ it takes a 'real man'.
There is open season on wolves for these overriding reasons. The DNR/state wants the $, it puts a lid on the 'howlings' of the weak-minded cowards and assorted gun-nuts who have been clamoring for something more exotic to kill, and wolves cannot lobby or vote.