Post by FWS on Oct 10, 2012 12:03:26 GMT -6
Grouse hunter kills charging wolf in northern Minnesota
Pioneer Press
October 10, 2012
A ruffed grouse hunter in northern Minnesota shot and killed a wolf he said was charging at him and his dog, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR's weekly law enforcement summary includes the following report:
"(Conservation officer) Sam Hunter (of Park Rapids) took a call from a grouse hunter who had shot a timber wolf that was chasing his hunting dog. The dog ran back to the hunter with the wolf on its heels. The hunter shot the wolf at about 8 yards with bird shot as it was coming directly at him/his dog. Proper measures were taken by the hunter to notify the DNR and enforcement action was not necessary. It was a frightening experience during a grouse hunting trip that will not soon be forgotten."
Killing a wolf to protect livestock or pets is legal throughout Minnesota at any time of year, provided the kill is reported to the DNR within 48 hours.
Following the animal's removal from protections of the federal Endangered Species Act, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan have scheduled fall hunting and trapping seasons for wolves.
Minnesota's wolf hunting season starts Nov. 3, the same day as the deer firearms hunting opener. The Minnesota hunt is being challenged in court.