Judge to rule in Wisconsin wolf hunt challenge

MADISON, Wis. — A Madison judge is expected to rule on whether hunters can use dogs to go after wolves.

A group of humane societies filed a lawsuit earlier this year alleging the Department of Natural Resources failed to place any real restrictions on how hunters can train and use dogs to hunt wolves. Dane County Circuit Judge Peter Anderson temporarily banned the use of dogs while he weighs the case. He’s expected to issue a final ruling Friday afternoon.

The wolf hunt closed last month after hunters took 117 animals, one more than the state’s kill limit. The DNR also is planning to impose restrictions on dogs in permanent wolf hunt rules it’s developing. But attorneys for the humane societies fear those rules may not be ready by the next hunt.