Earlier today, a Jefferson County judge ruled that the state’s Department of Natural Resources must push ahead with a wolf hunt this month. The move comes about a month after most of the nation’s Grey Wolves were stripped of federal endangered species protections.
The lawsuit was brought against the DNR by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty – a conservative legal firm. WILL is representing Hunter Nation, a hunting advocacy group, in the case.
The DNR was planning to resume wolf hunting this November — giving state officials time to plan and gather input on hunting quotas and other details. But, WILL attorneys argue that the DNR was legally obligated to hold a hunting season this winter, per state law.
Speaking with the Associated Press, a Department spokesperson said the DNR’s attorneys would be examining the ruling in the coming days. In the meantime however, the DNR will push ahead with implementing the court’s order.
For more on the decision, and what it means for the state’s packs, WORT Producer Jonah Chester spoke with Laura Smythe, a staff attorney with the Humane Society of the United States.
(PHOTO: Eva Blue / UNSPLASH)
