Wednesday is a day many hunters have been waiting for. They are allowed to purchase their application for this years wolf harvest- something that has been a controversy for years.
Beginning Wednesday, hunters can pay a $10 application fee. That gives them an opportunity to be one of 2,010 hunters randomly selected to take part in the hunt. 201 wolves will be allowed to be taken throughout the four month season, which begins October 15th and ends February 28th, 2013.
The hunt is something the Department of Natural Resources says they have spent weeks preparing for. DNR Wildlife Biologist, Jeremy Holtz says, “With the interest in coyote and bobcat hunting even bear hunting, I expect wolf hunting will be similar. The word gets out that there’s alot of permits available this year. I think were going to have alot of interest.”
Although all hunters will be given a fair opportunity to get their license, some say that even though they agree with the newly created wolf harvest, they still won’t take part because they feel it is just too expensive.
Will Minette, an avid hunter says, "I fully support having the wolf season. In our area here, they are creating havoc with the people. But what I don’t support is the fee imposed. It’s totally unaffordable."
Applications will be sold for 10 dollars throughout the month of August. If a hunter is selected for a license, that license will cost $100 for in state residents and $500 for out of state residents.
Those licenses will allow for hunting at any of the states seven areas the Department of Natural Resources has opened up for the season. Each location ranges from the southern part of the state throughout the northern region.
The DNR says they are not exactly sure when the lottery will be completed. They say hunters have to the end of august to apply for one of the licenses.
The DNR tells NewsChannel 7 the lottery will be completed by sometime in mid-September.
They say those hunters who are drawn, will have plenty of time to prepare for the season.
