I’ve been asked by many people how I choose a subject to write about. Well, sometimes friends will suggest I write about a certain topic. Then, living in the Northwoods, most of the conversations are about animals or some kind of outdoor activities and if I believe folks would find that topic interesting I’ll write about it. There are also times I will read something that I do not agree with and right or wrong have to give my two cents.

This week’s topic is because of two reasons above. First, I heard a Bear was harvested a few days ago and the hunter couldn’t find the bear at first, but when he finally located the bear 5 hours later there was nothing left except bones and fur. There is only one reason for this, yep, a pack of wolves. Second, I read an article about the DNRs (Wisconsin’s department of natural recourses) new wolf numbers for 2025, that I believe is not correct.

Every year the DNR publishes the ESTIMATED wolf population and each year it just aggravates me. I could be wrong about all of this, but please keep reading and let me know what you think that number should be. First, the DNR uses staff, volunteers, live trapping, winter tracks and GPS collars (41 this year) to not only track, but to determine the number of wolves and pack territories in different areas. In 2023 there were 1,277 wolves and 363 packs. In 2024 the count was 1,328 wolves with 354 packs.

This year the estimated wolf number in Wisconsin is 1,226 wolves in 336 packs, but I read, due to winter conditions and GPS collar failure in 2024 the DNR didn’t have a report on the estimated wolf count. If that is the case, I can’t understand how they came up with 1,328 wolves and 354 packs last year. Here’s my point. If my math is correct, from 2023 to 2024 there were 51 additional wolves, but 9 less packs. Does that make sense?

Then, from 2024 estimates to 2025, there is 102 less wolves and the decline of 18 packs. How is that possible?  Let’s say last year each pack of wolves had one litter of pups (usually 5 to 6) and only 1 survived the winter. Wouldn’t there be 354 more wolves a year?

Here is a fact. Did you know 63% of Wisconsin landscape is occupied by wolves? Do you know the reason for that? Central and southern Wisconsin now has wolves because of the loss of habitat, food (prey) and pack territory in northern Wisconsin. I get that wolves die (36 documented last year, but I strongly believe the true number of wolves in Wisconsin is well over 3000.

Keep in mind that lone (over 60) wolves or wolves on Indian reservations are not counted. Now add the wolves that cross in and out of Michigan’s upper peninsula. When they say there is just over 1000 wolves in Wisconsin, I’m willing to bet this year’s number of 1226 wolves alone are in zones 4,5 & 6 central and southern part of northern Wisconsin.

Please don’t get me wrong, I give credit to and appreciate the effort involvement from volunteers, live trapping and coloring, but again, right or wrong, that is just my opinion. I just wish the state would be honest with the true numbers of wolves that call Wisconsin home.