Chippewa bands ask Wisconsin DNR to reduce wolf hunt this fall

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Chippewa Indian bands in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan are asking the state Department of Natural Resources to halt plans for a wolf hunt in northern Wisconsin this fall.

Jim Zorn directs the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, which includes 11 Chippewa bands.

Zorn says the tribe believes the hunt is biologically reckless and culturally harmful to Chippewa Indians. Zorn says the tribe thinks Wisconsin’s wolf population goal of 350 is too low and could harm the species.

DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp tells the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (http://tinyurl.com/9keubsp ) the state is drafting a response to the commission’s concerns. The DNR says more than 10,000 people have applied for a wolf hunt permit so far. The rules prohibit hunts on American Indian reservations in Wisconsin.

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Information from: Leader-Telegram, http://www.leadertelegram.com/

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.