Wis. Outdoorsmen Vote: No Dogs In Wolf Hunt

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts who attended the Conservation Congress' spring hearings narrowly voted to ban wolf hunters from using dogs, even though they overwhelmingly approved new regulations governing the practice on the same ballot.

The congress is an influential group of sportsmen who advise the Department of Natural Resources on policy. Every year the congress holds statewide hearings and asks attendees to vote on a number of outdoor issues.

This spring's ballot asked attendees if they supported new regulations for wolf hunters who use dogs and if they supported legislation prohibiting dog use.

Attendees overwhelmingly supported the regulations. But they voted 2,631 to 2,494 in favor of legislation ending dog use on wolves.

Larry Bonde is vice chairman of the congress. He says he can't explain the dichotomy.

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