As Wis. wolf hunt begins Monday, groups file intent to sue

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin's first organized wolf hunt began Monday, October 15th with no kills reported. Meanwhile, the Humane Society of the United States and The Fund for Animals have filed notice that they plan to sue to get the animal back on the endangered species list in the Great Lakes region.

Wolves were placed on the endangered list in 1974. Those in the Great Lakes were removed earlier this year.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says no hunters reported killing a wolf by early Monday afternoon. However, hunters have 24 hours to report a kill to the agency.

The DNR has set the kill limit for the general public at 116 wolves and made 1,160 permits available through a lottery. The wolf hunt will run through February or until the cap is reached.

Gov. Scott Walker issued a statement on opening day of the wolf hunt, saying: "This is a landmark day in Wisconsin.  Thanks to the conservation efforts of wildlife officials and the Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin’s wolf population grew from just a few animals migrating back from Minnesota and Michigan, to healthy and thriving.  We have now reached the point where this public harvest is necessary to maintain a safe balance.  This hunt will ease the burden on state residents, farmers and visitors who have been faced with the loss of livestock and pets.  I want to thank all of the hunters and trappers who are participating in this challenging, historic event."

Minnesota's wolf hunt opens Nov. 3rd.

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