ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — Two groups are taking legal action in an effort to stop the wolf hunt. The Center for Biological Diversity and Howling for Wolves say the Minnesota DNR did not do its due diligence before setting up the first wolf season, which is to begin Nov. 3.

Maureen Hackett is founder and president of Howling for Wolves.  She said the DNR’s decisions are not in the wolves best interest.

“(The DNR is) recklessly endangering (the wolf) by just rushing to a hunt within one year of (the wolf) losing its protected status,” Hackett said.  “We have a paradigm change in our state to make a decision if we all want to have the wolf around for our future generations as a legacy species.”

The groups are suing the DNR, arguing the agency did not allow adequate time for public input before scheduling the hunt.  They’re asking for an injunction to stop the hunt.

Chris Niskanen is the communications director for the Minnesota DNR. He said the agency is withholding comment until more information is known about the lawsuit.

“The DNR has just received word about the injunction request and hasn’t had time to review it,” Niskanen said. “The agency won’t have any comment at this time.”

NewsRadio 830 WCCO’s Adam Carter Reports

The application period just ended for wolf licenses. About 6,000 licenses will be issued, with a goal of 400 animals killed during the season.

According to estimates, Minnesota has the second-highest wolf population in the U.S., second only to Alaska.