On Thursday, July 10, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled in favor of sportsmen and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on a long-running lawsuit over the use of dogs in the state’s wolf hunt.
In January 2013, the USSA Foundation and our partners prevailed when Dane County Circuit Court Judge Peter Anderson issued a ruling that paved the way for wolf hunting with dogs. Unhappy with the outcome, a coalition of Wisconsin humane societies and other plaintiffs appealed the ruling. While the 2013 decision was positive for sportsmen overall, it did raise concerns by declaring the DNR’s rules for training dogs to hunt wolves invalid.
Last week, the Court of Appeals issued its ruling, stating that not only are dogs allowed in the wolf hunt, but that hunters could also train their dogs to hunt wolves.
“This is a clear and decisive victory for sportsmen and the wildlife management process,” said Nick Pinizzotto, USSA president and CEO. “We’re extremely pleased the Appeals court sided with sportsmen and will allow hunters to train their dogs to hunt wolves. This sets an important precedent acknowledging that pre-existing rights to hunt and fish should continue unless those rights are specifically limited by laws or regulations.”
Joining the USSA Foundation in support of the Wisconsin DNR was Safari Club International, the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association and United Sportsmen of Wisconsin.
