Wolf advocates predicted that wolves would be slaughtered when the federal protections for the species ended. On cue, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Department was forced to end the state's wolf hunting season after just three days when viscious hunters exterminated 178 wolves, exceeding the established quota by 53%. The number is expected to rise because hunters have 24 hours to report kills. Killer Trump removed protection for the wolf under the Endangered Species Act before be removed from office in November. In January management of wolves was turned over to the states. Wisconsin law requires an annual hunt. Hunters in Wisconsin are allowed to hunt at night, use dogs, and set traps. The Center for Biological Diversity issued a statement calling the hunt a "reckless slaughter".
Wolf hunting has many supporters in the state who view the current population of an estimated 1,000 wolves to be too many. The current target population is set at just 350. Clearly available habitat can support more than that, and a such a low figure may not be enough to support a viable population in the state. None of the state wildlife board members expressed any reaction to the news that the hunting quota had been exceeded in 72 hours. The board's chairman, Fred Prehn, said the target was "too low" given the population goal of 350 wolves. The Department plans to hold the next hunt in November.