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• Wolf hunt on agenda; statewide conservation congress meetings tonight

By Wheeler News Service & RiverTown Newspaper Group

Wisconsin sporting enthusiasts will be asked tonight (Monday) if they want a hunting season for the grey wolf.

It's one of many questions to be asked by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress at its annual hearings in all 72 counties.

Mike Brust of Wausau, who heads the Congress' committee on wolves, says the measure should pass, but doesn't expect a wolf season any time soon.

The state Natural Resources Board would like the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to make population studies and hold public hearings and then the Legislature must approve the final product.

The wolf was removed a year ago from the federal endangered species' list in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, but animal rights' groups immediately filed suit to restore that status.

The case is still pending.

The Defenders of Wildlife have asked their Wisconsin members to show up at tonight's hearings and vote against wolf hunting.

The group's Gena Schroeder says they're concerned about the wolf's long-term survival, but Wisconsin farmers say they're concerned about keeping their crops and livestock from being attacked by wolves, which has happened numerous times in recent years.

The state has an estimated 540 to 577 timber wolves.

Also on tonight's agenda will be questions concerning numerous hunting and fishing rules changes.

One of those items will be an effort to extend the turkey hunting season, use of rifles for deer hunting throughout Dunn County, a prohibition against deer shining on public roads, and a statewide ban on deer baiting and feeding.

There is also an item to limit paintball on state lands.

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is open to all state residents and will be held at 7 p.m. in all counties.

Here is a list of meeting locations in the region:

* St. Croix County: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Cashman conference room, 1019 S. Knowles Ave., New Richmond

* Pierce County: Ellsworth Senior High School, auditorium, 323 Hillcrest, Ellsworth

* Polk County: Unity High School, gymnasium, 1908 150th St/Hwy 46, Balsam Lake

* Pepin County: Pepin County Government Center, county board room, 740 7th Ave. W., Durand

* Dunn County: Dunn County Fish & Game Club, 1900 Pioneer Ave., Menomonie

* Chippewa County: Chippewa Falls Middle School, 750 Tropicana Blvd., Chippewa Falls

* Eau Claire County: South Middle School auditorium, 2115 Mitscher Ave., Eau Claire