Conservation Congress proposes moving back wolf hunt start

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is gauging support for starting the state's wolf season later.

Congress officials say hunters flood wolf management zones early, creating conflicts with hunters whose bird dogs get caught in wolf traps. They also contend wolf pelts aren't in prime shape in early fall.

The group plans to ask participants at its spring hearings in April whether they think lawmakers should move the season start from Oct. 15 to the first Saturday in November or the Saturday before the nine-day gun deer season in late November.

Hunting wolves in Wisconsin became illegal last month after a federal judge placed Great Lakes wolves back on the endangered species list. The congress says it's asking about a new start date in case the wolves come off the list.