MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin is closing a third wolf harvest zone.

The Department of Natural Resources says Zone in far northwestern Wisconsin will close to hunting and trapping of wolves effective 5 p.m., Sunday. The zone’s quota of 32 wolves was reached Saturday. Zones 3, 5, and 6 remain open but the DNR expects zones 5 and 6 to close soon because both are within two wolves of their harvest quotas.

The DNR says wolf hunters and trappers should check daily for additional closures.

Kurt Thiede, DNR Lands Division administrator, notes that the state’s ultimate goal is to reduce the wolf population by 116 animals, distributed across the landscape. He says wildlife managers are learning much about hunter and trapper success rates in this inaugural season that will help in drafting permanent rules.

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