^{© photo by Jim Brandenburg}

Wisconsin is home to a spectacular array of wildlife species, including Gray Wolves. Hunters for Wolves advocates for healthy ecosystems, scientifically and ethically managed to protect our wildlife for present and future generations.

The Wisconsin Wolf Hunt violates one of our most valued tenets: North American Model fo r Wildlife Conservation

Wolf Hunting Reflects Badly on Real Hunters

Wolves are the only species being managed down to a bare minimum number (350) based upon outdated opinions and politics. This hunt came despite the objections of the tribes, the original hunters and stewards of this land, which their “brother wolf” calls home.

Unlike with deer hunting, wolf hunters and trappers can operate at night and use packs of dogs to run down wolves. With canid on canid conflict, it becomes a blood sport — no more than an organized dog fight, which is illegal in the U.S. Wisconsin is the only state to authorize the practice, arguably the most controversial and most opposed aspect of this state’s wolf hunting regulations.

Killing wolves breaks up packs. These broken family units are often forced to find prey that’s easier to kill, such as domestic pets and livestock. Consequently, wolf hunting ends up hurting already struggling Wisconsin farmers.

“Hunters are remaining silent for fear of being ostracized.”
As an avid and passionate hunter (who has killed and eaten 26 elk over the years) I am absolutely disgusted that no hunter-based conservation organization — most of which claim to support and defend sound, science-based management of wildlife — are speaking out against this wolf slaughter which is a clear violation of the North American model of wildlife management these organizations claim to uphold. At best, many hunters and hunting-based organizations are remaining silent for fear of being ostracized; at worst, most hunters and hunting organizations are supporting this. More and more I feel like an anti-hunter who hunts. It’s embarrassing, appalling and outrageous.
– David Stalling, former state director of the National Wildlife Federation

– Fast Facts –

2021 Wisconsin Wolf Hunt in Numbers

1,195

Estimated wolf population before the Feb 2021 hunt

220+

Reported wolf kills within the first three days of the week-long season

90

Percent of wolves killed by packs of hunting hounds

82

Percent of the hunt’s quota that was exceeded

350

Current state-wide wolf population goal determined back in the 1990s

“Wolf hunting is borderline barbaric.”
I only hunt birds—pheasant, grouse, quail that may dismiss my credibility with the mammal killers but I will say this about wolf and bear hunting—pursuing wolves with dogs, snowmobiles, GPS trackers and baited traps is not fair chase and is borderline barbaric. – Mike Duren, Vilas County

– How You Can Help –

Take Action Today

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Contact Your Legislators Click here to be a voice for Wisconsin Wolves.

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Paid for by Ethical Sportsmen of Wisconsin

Special thank you to Jim Brandenburg for donating photography. www.jimbrandenburg.com

“Wolf hunts are not about management.”
Wolves and other species have managed themselves for thousands of years. Our indigenous teachings have always guided us to live in harmony with other creation for their demise only leads to ours. – Jon Greendeer, former president of Ho-Chunk Nation.

“Wolves are not our competition.”
I was raised in Northern Wisconsin, by a hunting family on a dairy farm. But many hunters do not believe in killing wolves for sport. We believe in sustainable hunting and fair chase ethics. I’ve read Sand County Almanac, and the science surrounding this animal and Ive seen first hand, the land around my hunting cabin change with the presence of wolves, more birds, more native plants and cleaner streams. I neither worship or hate the wolf, but believe wolves’ benefits to the Northwoods far outweigh any negatives. And I have no problem filling my freezer with venison and was lucky to draw a bear tag last year. Wolves are not our competition; CWD, bad science and old hatred are.
– K.R. Taylor County, WI

“There are no known cases where predators have caused a prey species to go extinct.”
When I am in the woods, I am thrilled at the idea of seeing or hearing a wolf as it makes for a more complete outdoor experience. I wouldn’t kill one any more than I would shoot a bald eagle. Hunters need not worry that predators will wipe out a herd. There are no known cases where predators have caused a prey species to go extinct. Of course, there are plenty of examples of humans doing so. It’s too early to have a season on wolves, and completely unnecessary. Are deer a bit harder to find because their behavior has changed? Sure. But who wants to shoot Bambi in a barrel over a corn pile. That’s not sportsmanship. – Anonymous, WI