DNR Cuts Wolf Quota By Nearly Half

ST. PAUL, (AP) - Minnesota wildlife officials have cut the quota for the state's second wolf season by nearly half.

The target for hunting and trapping this fall and winter is 220, down 180 from last year. The Department of Natural Resources will also grant far fewer licenses - a little more than half as many.

The changes come after an annual DNR survey found the wolf population had dipped to an estimated 2,211 wolves. The DNR seeks to keep the wolf population from dipping below 1,600.

Last year's wolf hunt was the first since the animal came of the endangered species list in the region. Opponents say there should be no hunt at all.