There’s been much discussion about the wolf hunting season. One important consideration hasn’t been raised regarding the plan for two seasons. The first wolf hunt occurs during the regular deer season. You don’t find nonhunters in the woods during deer season even with blaze orange clothing. The second season starts in December and continues to Jan 31.
My wife and I and many friends are cross country skiers. We enjoy skiing some of the beautiful trails in Cook County—along and near the North Shore. Most of these trails take us away from human development and into the woods. There also are many great trails off the Gunflint and Sawbill trails and around and near the state parks along the North Shore.
We raised our concern and questions for the MN DNR about skier safety during this second wolf hunt season—people and hunters traveling the same wolf habitat—and were greeted with assurance that there will be no problem. But had DNR considered or discussed the possible implications of interactions of skiers-hunters in the same forests? No, according to a DNR contact. This seems to be a serious oversight and their assurance seems hollow and perhaps unfounded.
The ski season up north and here in the Cities can be quite short with the winters we’ve recently had. We’d hate to lose that whole month of January out of fear or common sense considerations given an active wolf hunting season during that whole month. Skiing in the same woods as hunters with high-powered rifles seeking a very elusive game animal seems to border on foolish or worse.
We suggest that DNR shelve the second wolf hunt season until more thought and safety considerations are addressed to avoid any possible harm or worse to a cross country skier enjoying one of the most delightful experiences our state can offer. It would be a tragedy if some unintentional accident informed the DNR of the risks attendant to their wolf season decision.
Bob Reid
Bloomington and
Caribou Lake, Lutsen
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