Here are some of the highlights of this 67-page, 9-year plan, “word for word”. My personal comments are bolded. The plan can be viewed at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wolves/wolf-plan.html
“Today, wolves are distributed across half of the state in numbers of 2,700, well above the endangered species act recovery plan goals of 1.250-1400.” Twice the Recovery Goal!
“Some readers might be surprised to find that this plan does not prescribe Minnesota’s approach to wolf hunting or trapping.” No need to hunt wolves with this plan?
“Wolf management in Minnesota currently relies on revenue from deer and wolf license fees.” 12% of MN residents hunt, twice the national average with 475,000 deer hunters.
“The highest population estimates of 3,020 wolves occurred in the winter of 2002-2004, which coincided with high deer population.” Since then, a declining deer population, with the wolf population staying steady.
“Current occupied wolf range of packs is estimated to be 28,561 square miles, approximately 1/3 of the state.” Please check out our Wolf Watch page to see where wolves are being seen outside the range.
“Research in Minnesota strongly suggest that wolves have not caused large-scale or long -term declines in deer.” 2017-2022 DNR study states we are loosing 32% of our breeding does to wolves.
“In recent decades, deer population estimates in the wolf range have substantially declined following severe winter and intensive hunter harvest.” In the winter of 21-22 we lost 45.5% of our deer population due to wolves
“In Minnesota the moose population exceeded 8,000, while today it's about 3,000-4,000. Moose appear to have declined primarily due to high mortality, fewer breeding age females and a reduced number of calves surviving to adulthood. Recent DNR research indicates health related causes account for about 2/3 of adult moose mortality, with brain worm being the leading cause. Wolf predation is the second leading direct cause of adult moose mortality, with predisposing health conditions identified in nearly half of the predation events. Wolf predation is the leading cause of death for the moose calves during their first 30-50 days of life.” “The conclusion from a 1995-2000 study, was that climate acting in tandem with pathogens and chronic malnutrition caused that decline.” Climate? Infection from bites on their back legs, malnutrition? With only 3% due to brain worm from DNR study.
“In 2011 the legislation classified wolves as small game in statue.” (Page-19)
“Verified wolf complaints have occurred at about 100 locations annually, in response approximately 180 wolfs are killed annually, in addition, over the last 10 years the MDA has paid between 80-140 claims each year at a cost of $100,000-$250,000 per year."
“Beliefs about human relationship with wildlife can be described along a spectrum of “mutualism” (wildlife are deserving of rights similar to humans and part of a single community).”
To “domination” (wildlife are resources that can be used to achieve specific human oriented goals).” Both mutualism and domination define Environmentalism and Conservationism.
Individuals with strong “mutualism” beliefs often oppose killing wolves, while those with strong “domination” often support lethal control.
“It is likely that mutualism beliefs will increase in Minnesota over time.” A public perception!
“In 2012, the DNR collected public input regarding the establishment of a potential wolf season using an online questionnaire anyone could complete. There was significant out-of-state and even international participation, with twin cities metro residents comprising the majority of Minnesota respondents. Although not a representative survey, almost 80% of respondents to the online input opportunity said they did not support hunting and trapping of wolves in Minnesota.” Few hunters were made aware of this survey.
“While the state references wolf “management,” the term is inappropriate from an Ojibwe perspective, for one does not typically manage one’s brother.”
“The DNR identified a minimum population level of 1,600 wolves in the 2001 plan. The wolf population has not been below 1,600 in Minnesota since the late 1980s.” The wolf should have been delisted then.
“Objective 1B. Maintain a population comparable to recent estimates (2,200-3000, well above the federal recovery goals) and distributed across the majority of current wolf range.” The current population will be maintained for the next 9 years!
“The Wolf Technical Committee, in coordination with tribal biologist, will recommend harvest levels to the DNR annually.” These are the same people that drafted this plan.
Closing Comments
Deer hunters in Minnesota are true conservationist protecting nature for humans. It is ethical to employ natural resources for the betterment of humankind, as long as they are properly cared for and managed with a concern for future generations. Humanity is seen as an integral part of the ecosystem rather than an intruder in the natural world.
Special interest groups like Howling for Wolves, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, and the U.S. Humane Society are Environmentalists that try to protect nature from humans. The environment is to be saved, preserved, set aside, protected from human abuse. Nature is deified and worshipped while the welfare of humans is prioritized beneath the animal and plant kingdom.
I heard that after reintroducing wolves into Yellowstone the special interest groups gathered at a nearby resort and had a champagne toast saying, “this is the beginning to the end of hunting”
It is obvious that the DNR does not following the science in their decision making and because they have a political oversight, their priority lies in the majority of the popular vote.
H4H has filed a DNR data request for cited research with a dated narrative of the claimed references of the quoted research and studies in the Wolf Plan.
Members of the MDHA should contact their president and tell him to terminate ALL relationship with the DNR and end support for any wolf bill that includes the language in the MN Wolf Management Plan. Demand an explanation on how an over $100, 000/ year salary of an executive director and an over $30,000/year salary of a lobbyist allowed this to happen!
The H4H corporate board is working diligently on removing language of this plan and replacing it with a more commonsense approach to managing wolves in our state.
“It is clear that DNR departments are not concerned about the future of hunting deer as they are more concerned with public perception. This is a horrible thing for those of us that can see what is truly going on. It is for that reason that I encourage you and every hunter to become more vocal as the DNR departments are making bad decisions across the board.” (Kieth Warren)
There are 475,000 deer hunters buying license in MN and retail sales are at 260 million with an overall economic impact of 458 million.
The MN Wolf Management Plan needs to be challenged now!
Thank You,
Dale Irish, H4H Board Member
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