Wisconsin's first organized wolf hunt begins today

MADISON — After months of contentious debate, Wisconsin's first organized wolf hunt is finally set to begin.

The hunt officially begins Monday morning and will run through February. The law establishing the hunt allows hunters to use bait and traps and hunt at night after the November gun deer season ends.

Animal advocates have argued for months that Wisconsin's wolf population is too fragile to sustain a hunt. State wildlife officials have limited the total kill to 116 animals, a fraction of the 800 or so wolves they believe roam the state, and awarded only 1,160 permits.

A Madison judge also has temporarily blocked a provision allowing hunters to use dogs, taking one of their most effective tools off the table until at least late December.

Here's a round-up of coverage from around the state (and nation), previewing the hunt:

From the Associated Press: Hunters ready for first wolf hunts in Wisconsin, Minnesota .

From columnist Patrick Durkin: Seminar shows hunting wolf isn't about revenge on species.

From columnist Kevin Naze: Wolf hunt, trap season opens today .

From columnist Paul Smith of jsonline.com: First regulated wolf hunt starts Monday.

From the La Crosse Tribune: State wolf hunt could have unintended consequences.

From the Christian Science Monitor: How humane will Wisconsin's wolf hunt be?

More on wolves in Wisconsin: Wolf hunting news from around the state | Trail cameras capture wolf activity

If you are participating in the wolf hunt and would like to share your story, photos or video from your hunt, please contact Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com manager Brian Otten at botten@wisconsinoutdoorfun.com or 715-845-0702.