A judge ruled that the Natural Resource Commission has the authority to make decisions on wolf hunting.
However, wolves still can not be hunted in Michigan.
Gray wolves remain on the federal endangered species list, which means it’s illegal to kill them.
The DNR is concerned because this means nothing can be done when wolves harm farmer’s livestock.
They want wolves off the endangered species list so they can manage the population to help farmers and avoid illegal poaching of wolves.
“Because they’re on the endangered species list, our hands are tied and the hands of farmers are tied as well,” Wildlife Biologist with Bear and Wolf at the DNR Kevin Swanson said, “and they’re not able to protect their livestock because they’re endangered.”
Unless gray wolves are taken off of the endangered species list, the NRC can’t make decisions on wolf hunting.
NRC Given Authority for Wolf Hunting Decisions – Northern Michigan’s News Leader.