Groups Opposed To Minn. Wolf Hunt Lose In Court
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP/WCCO) -- Groups challenging Minnesota rules for a wolf hunting and trapping season were dealt another blow Wednesday in their effort to stop the practices.
Minnesota's Court of Appeals dismissed a petition aiming to undo rules that allowed for a wolf hunting season, the first of which was held starting in November.
The appeals judges decided that the two groups, the Center for Biological Diversity and Howling for Wolves, lacked sufficient legal standing to challenge the Department of Natural Resources rules.
"It's hard to put into words our disappointment and sense of injustice over this decision," said Dr. Maureen Hackett, founder of Howling For Wolves.
Wolf Hunt
The DNR plans to make decisions about a 2013 hunt this summer after a population survey is completed, said Ed Boggess, director of the Fish and Wildlife Division. Boggess said the agency is committed to balancing the hunt with long-term sustainability goals.
"We manage wolf seasons like we manage seasons for dozens of other game species," he said.
Legislation seeking to impose a five-year moratorium on wolf hunts stalled during the Legislature's just-completed session.
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