Rep. Dill introduces wolf hunt bill

A bill has been introduced calling for a wolf season to coincide with the firearms deer season -- a move Department of Natural Resources officials oppose. DNR leaders have said they want a separate wolf season that would begin in late November after the firearms deer season.

The bill’s author, Rep. David Dill, DFL-Crane Lake, said it makes sense to have the wolf season when deer hunters are afield. He added, "At least give hunters a chance to take them. A wolf isn't easy to hunt.”

According to the StarTribune. under his bill, the DNR would determine the number of wolves to be taken or how many licenses would be issued. Dill introduced the bill after consulting with the Iron Range delegation. "It represents what the constituents of northeast Minnesota want,'' he said. "They want a season as soon as possible.''

The bill sets the price of a wolf license at $38 for residents and $195 for nonresidents. A wolf trapping license would be $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents.

The bill (HF1856) gets its first hearing Thursday in the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance committee.