Could deer hunters in Minnesota be illegally killing wolves?

Although only a small fraction of deer hunters in Minnesota engage in illegal hunting of wolves, a notable number of wolves are unlawfully killed during the deer-hunting period. The University of Minnesotas Voyageurs Wolf Project recently posted a graphic photo on social media depicting a dead wolf in the snow with a bullet wound, emphasizing that it is not fair or accurate to characterize all hunters as poachers.

The project noted that the illegal killing of federally protected wolves tends to increase during deer-hunting season across Minnesota and other states bordering the Great Lakes. Findings from the recent rifle deer season indicate a similar pattern, with data showing that:

• During the study period, 44% of all illegally killed wolves were shot between November 7 and 16, coinciding with the height of deer hunting.
• Comparable research in Wisconsin, covering 501 wolves from 1979 to 2013, revealed that 43% of illegally killed wolves were shot in November during deer-hunting season.

Wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and unlawful killing in Minnesota and Wisconsin carries penalties including fines and possible jail time. The Voyageurs Wolf Project pointed out that their findings echo earlier studies around Voyageurs National Park between 1987 and 1991, where half of all illegally killed wolves were shot in November.

The project also referenced additional research and indicated plans to release further information about poaching and its impact on wolf populations in the near future.

Author: Aiden Foster