Hunt_Content Page_Wolf Hunting and Trapping

Wolf hunting and trapping

Attention: gray wolves are listed as an endangered species in the western great lakes region, including Wisconsin. As such, wolves are federally protected and harvest is prohibited. 

It is the hunter or trapper's responsibility to determine the closure status of a wolf zone prior to attempting to hunt or trap a wolf in that zone. If you are unsure, call the telephone reporting system 1-855-299-9653 or contact the DNR call center at 1-888-936-7463.

All wolf harvest zones are closed.

Wolf harvesting zones [PDF]

Season information

Check your preference points

There are three ways in which hunters can determine the number of preference points that they have accumulated. To find out about how many points you have accumulated:

  • contact the Bureau of Customer Services and Licensing 608-266-2621;
  • visit the online licensing center; or
  • contact your local DNR Service Center.

Drawing information

Applications for a wolf license can be made at any authorized license agents, DNR Service Center, online, or by calling 1-877-945-4236. The wolf permit application fee is $10 and the deadline for wolf season applications is always Aug. 1.

For the 2014-15 season, one-half of available permits will be issued randomly among all permit applications and the second half will be issued through a cumulative preference point drawing. Successful applicants will be notified by letter, likely by late August. Applicants who are not successful in the drawing will be awarded a preference point toward future drawings. Wolf permit drawing will occur Aug. 15.

Check your status in the wolf application drawing

It is the permit applicant's responsibility to know their drawing status and whether they were selected for purchasing a harvest permit. There are three ways in which hunters can determine whether they were selected in the drawing. To find out about how many points you have accumulated or your drawing status:

  • contact the Bureau of Customer Services and Licensing 608-266-2621;
  • visit the online licensing center; or
  • contact your local DNR Service Center.

Historical information

Identification

Wolf/coyote comparison

Wolf management

For more information about wolf management, including the Wolf Advisory Committee notes, go to the Wolf management webpage.

Anyone suspecting wolf depredation in northern Wisconsin should call USDA Wildlife Services immediately at 800-228-1368 (in state) or 715-369-5221. In southern Wisconsin call 800-433-0663 (in state) or 920-324-4514.