FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2021
CONTACT: Elizabeth Ward, Chapter Director, elizabeth.ward@sierraclub.org
Sierra Club Dismayed by Unscientific, Irresponsible Wolf Hunt
Madison- Today, the Natural Resources Board (NRB) voted to permit a wolf hunt with a quota of 300 wolves, up from the Department of Natural Resources’ proposal of 130 wolves. The February wolf hunt exceeded the state's quota by 99 wolves or 83% in less than three days. Certain zones, like Zone 2 in Northeast Wisconsin, experienced wolf kills 250% over quota. In some ways, the quota exceedance equated to two hunts already this year. Some studies have found that the hunt resulted in a 30% reduction of our wolf population.
In response, Wisconsin Sierra Club Chapter Director Elizabeth Ward issued the following statement:
“The February wolf hunt in Wisconsin sparked national outcry as the fate of our ecosystems are in the midst of an extinction crisis. Yet instead of learning from this mistake, our state’s Natural Resources Board voted today to double down on wolf management that goes against science and ethical norms. A wolf slaughter was approved today that will have an even more devastating impact.
This decision represents an unprecedented and extreme departure from sound, science-based wildlife practices.
The Natural Resources Board failed to recognize the importance of wolves on our ecosystems and demonstrated a lack of respect and a failure in understanding of the rights of Wisconsin Tribes. This hunt is an insult to science, democracy, and good conscience.”
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Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is America’s oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization. The Sierra Club’s mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth. The Sierra Club – Wisconsin is made up of 18,000 members and supporters from throughout Wisconsin working to promote clean energy and protect land and water resources.