Wildlife official says Michigan wolf hunting area would be limited

3/13/2013

IRONWOOD, Mich.  — State wildlife officials say if Michigan allows hunting of gray wolves, it won't take place across the entire Upper Peninsula.

Officials with the Department of Natural Resources discussed wolf management issues Tuesday during a public meeting in Ironwood.

The Legislature authorized wolf hunts in December, and the Natural Resources Commission could make a decision in June. Opponents of the hunts are raising petition signatures to get the issue on the 2014 election ballot.

The latest DNR count found there are nearly 700 wolves in the U.P., and a new estimate is expected next month.

According to the Daily Globe of Ironwood, Bump told about 270 people at the meeting that hunters wouldn't be allowed to use dogs when pursuing wolves, but trapping would be a possibility.