Serving The Straits Area Sportsmen Since 1975
Serving The Straits Area Sportsmen Since 1975
Wolf Management Advisory Council
April and May Meeting of WMAC
We are unable to transfer our April videos to the page because of the allotted space on this page. To see a summary of the April and May meetings check out our StraitsBlog.
Click here see more information about the Wolf Management Advisory Council; notes and presentations.
March Videos of Wolf Management Meeting
Session 1
I Call to Order: Chair Jared Duqutte
II Roll Call
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes
a. February
V. Wolf Management Advisory Council Updates
a. Accomplishments & Overview of Sections 6.6 & 6.7, and 6.8 - Brian Roell, DNR
Session 2
VI. Public Comment
VII. New Business
a. Section 6.6 Monitor and manage adverse effects of diseases and parasites on the viability of the wolf population
b. Section 6.7 Achieve compatibility between wildlife distribution and abundance and social carrying capacity
c. Section 6.8 Facilitate positive wolf-human interactions and other wolf-related benefits.
Session 2a
Session 3
VIII Old Business
a. Section 6.10: Manager wolf depredation of domestic animals
b. Section 6.12: Develop socially and biologically responsible management recommendations regarding public harvest of wolves
IX. Wrap-up and Next Step
a. New business: Sections 6.9 & 6.11
b. Old Business: Sections 6.6, 6.7 & 6.8
Session 3a
VIII Old Business
a. Section 6.10: Manager wolf depredation of domestic animals
b. Section 6.12: Develop socially and biologically responsible management recommendations regarding public harvest of wolves
IX. Wrap-up and Next Step
a. New business: Sections 6.9 & 6.11
b. Old Business: Sections 6.6, 6.7 & 6.8
February 10, 2022 Special Note
From A Michigan United Conservation Blog
On Thursday, February 10th, 2022 U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey S. White put gray wolves back on the Endangered Species List. The federal wolf ruling halts scientific wolf management and overturns the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2020 rule (85 Fed. Reg. 69,778 Nov. 3, 2020) removing the wolves throughout the lower 48 states from the list and placing them under state management.
Amy Trotter, executive director of Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC) issued the following statement. “We are extremely disappointed by the federal district court’s ruling, which effectively moves wolves back under federal management. The fact of the matter is that wolves in the western Great Lakes states are fully recovered. They’re not endangered and they’re not threatened. The continued litigation of this population, under any designation, makes a mockery of the Endangered Species Act and jeopardizes its integrity to be used for truly endangered species.”
MUCC and its members have remained steadfast in advocating in every venue that the best available scientific data drive the conversation surrounding wolf management in Michigan and that these species be managed through a legal, regulated hunting and trapping season. This federal court decision prevents state management once again. MUCC will consider all legal and legislative options to stop this merry-go-round once and for all, but to compete with the deep pockets of national anti-hunting organizations, we will need your help.
January Videos of Wolf Management Meeting
Session 1
I Call to Order: Dan Kennedy
II Roll Call
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes
a. December
V. Science-Based Management
Public Attitudes of Wolves in Michigan - Shawn Riley, MSU
Session 2
Wolf Management Advisory Council Updates
V, a. ii. Update on Wolf White Paper - Brian Roell
VI. Public Comments
Session 3
Wolf Management Advisory Council Updates
VII. New Business
a. Public attitudes of wolves in Michigan
VIII. Old Business
a. Section 6.5: Maintain Habitat Necessary to Sustain a Viable Wolf Population
b. Section 6.3: Enact and Enforce Regulations Necessary to Maintain a Viable Wolf Population
c. 6.2 Active Research and Monitor of Wolves
IX. Wrap up and Next Step
X. Adjournment
January 19th Meeting Summary
Additional Information
The WMAC meeting on Wednesday, January 19th in Escanaba meeting was well attended by 65 supporters of wolf management attended. To begin the meeting Dan Kennedy announced he would be his last meeting. He will be leaving the DNR to work at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Jarod Duquette, Chief of the Division of Wildlife will be chairing future meetings starting in February.
In the first session, Professor Shawn Riley of MSU presented the preliminary results of his Public Attitude Survey. https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/Riley_January_746199_7.pdf In Prof. Riley’s words remember this is a reflection of the people who are engaged (you and I) and not the Michigan population.
The second part of the morning session was for public comments. Those that spoke did a great job bringing up many points to the council. A very emotional presentation by Jordon Farmer spoke about the recent loss of one of his dogs and a second seriously injured by wolves while bobcat hunting. The second dog was only a few yards from him and his brother when wolves attacked it.
Many are frustrated at the slow process of the Council’s actions, which we share their frustrations. At the end of this meeting, Dick Persinski told those who stated that he had intended to introduce a recommendation to implement a Hunting and Trapping Season for this fall. But after talking with other Council members he will hold off until the February meeting in Gaylord. While we can be upset at the delay of a month it can be a good move in the sense of getting our supporters there to listen and offer support.
Thank you to everyone who attended and spoke. This month I believe your comments were heard. Let’s do it again next month. We will be posting information about the meeting in a couple of weeks.
You can view comments by SASC Club President, Gary Gorniak, and Board Member, Steve Dey, by going to the StraitsBlog.
Video of December Wolf Management Advisory Council Meeting
December WMAC Meeting
I. Call to Order - Dan Kennedy
II. Roll Call -
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes
a. October
b. November
DURING THIS PORTION OF THE MEETING WE HAD TECH. DIFFICULTIES AND LOST OUR SIGNAL.
December WMAC Meeting
Review of Section 6.5 Maintains Habitat Necessary to sustain a viable wolf Population by Brian Roell
Review of Section 6.3 Enact and Enforce Regulations Necessary to Maintain a Viable Wolf Population by Dave Shaw, Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement Division
MORE COMING!
Wolf Management Advisory Council Updates
Review of Section 6.5 Maintains Habitat Necessary to sustain a viable wolf Population by Brian Roell
Review of Section 6.3 Enact and Enforce Regulations Necessary to Maintain a Viable Wolf Population by Dave Shaw, Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement Division
MORE COMING!
Video of November Wolf Management Advisory Council Meeting
November Wolf Management Advisory Council Meeting in Gaylord
At the beginning of the meeting.
I. Call to order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes
V. Wolf Management Advisory Council Updates
a. Review and Update Policy
i. DNR's Accomplishments on 2-15 WMP by Cody Norton
November Wolf Management Advisory Council Meeting in Gaylord
VI . Public Comments both 5 min & 3 min
VII. New Business
a. Review of recommendations for 2015 WMP update
b. DNR accomplishments on 2015 WMP
c. Section 6.2 Maintain active research and monitoring programs to support science-based wolf management
ii Section 6.3 Enact and enforce regulations necessary to maintain a viable wolf population- identify the content of LD presentation
November Wolf Management Advisory Council Meeting in Gaylord
VIII Old Business
a. 2015 Wolf Management Plan, Section 6.1, Increase public awareness and understanding of wolves and wolf-related issues
b. 2015 Wolf Management Plan, Section 6.1 Maintain sustainable populations of wolf prey - reporting wolf interactions
IX. Wrap-Up and Next Steps
X. Adjournment
October and November Updates
The Wolf Management Advisory Council in Ironwood in October for the 3rd time. Both of the Straits Area Sportsmen's Club President Gary Gorniak and Board member were unable to attend. Michigan United Conservation Clubs has a very good summary of the meeting. Check their blog here. https://mucc.org/a-predator-prey-study-increasing-public-awareness-surrounding-wolves-and-maintaining-sustainable-wolf-prey-populations-were-discussed-at-the-october-wolf-management-advisory-council-wmac-meeting/
The WMAC met in Gaylord on November 5th where the SASC streamed the meeting which can be viewed on the Straits Area Sportsmen's Club Facebook page. To see Gary and Steve's presentations check the Straits Blog. MUCC has a very good summary of the November meeting with several recommendations being made. Check their blog here.https://mucc.org/accomplishments-report-updated-recommendations-part-of-november-wolf-council-meeting/
In the September 12th edition of the Traverse City Record Eagle's letter to the editor Humane Society’s Michigan Director Molly Tamulevich submitted a letter entitled ‘There is no good reason for wolf hunting’. Click here to read it. https://www.record-eagle.com/opinion/opinion-there-is-no-good-reason-for-wolf-hunting/article_e73f1d6c-0cc8-11ec-ad40-47dc1ebbb71f.htmlTraverse City
THIS LETTER IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE REASON IT IS SO IMPORTANT SUPPORTERS OF WOLF MANAGEMENT IN THE UP SHOW UP AND SUPPORT THE PROCESS. YES, IT IS A SLOW PROCESS BUT WHEN ONLY 17 PEOPLE SHOWED UP AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING, AND 4 OF THOSE OPPOSED WOLF MANAGEMENT. WE NEED YOU TO SHOW UP AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.
We will again be streaming the December meeting in St. Ignace.
If you check the StraitsBlog you can read what SASC leaders have been saying when attending the Natural Resource Commission monthly calls. If you would like to send us comments you can email us at sasc764@gmail.com.
*** If you have a wolf issue or encounter it is important to notify the DNR. They need this information for their records to help show wolf problems in the U.P. Scroll down to find a link to the DNR website 'Reporting A Wolf Observation' where you can make a report.
August and September Updates
The Wolf Management Advisory Council has met in August and September so far. The progress is slow with ground rules being developed in August and little action in September. To see the comments by the SASC Club President and Board Member Steve Dey please check our StraitsBlog where their comments to the Advisory Council are posted with other comments to the NRC. The next WMAC meeting will be in Ironwood, MI on October 11th. The November 5th meeting will be at Treetops in Gaylord and the December 7th meeting will be at the Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace. You can check the WMAC Webpage for public appearance guidelines, guidelinesagendas, meeting locations, minutes and other pertaninate informantion.
We have had many questions as to why Wisconsin has a Wolf Season and Michigan does not, at this time. Wisconsin has a law, passed a number of years ago, that when the Gray Wolf was delisted they will have a season. Michigan does not have such a law.
The lawsuit in Oakland County has been dismissed, while the lawsuits continue in California.
If you check the StraitsBlog you can read what SASC leaders have been saying when attending the Natural Resource Commission monthly calls. If you would like to send us comments you can email us at sasc764@gmail.com.
*** If you have a wolf issue or encounter it is important to notify the DNR. They need this information for their records to help show wolf problems in the U.P. Scroll down to find a link to the DNR website 'Reporting A Wolf Observation' where you can make a report.
July Update
Through fairly regular polling that we conduct, we have found that many in our community feel there is a disconnect between the residents and hunters in the UP and the DNR. IE, the lack of urgency to resolve the matter or even the initial location choice for their meetings.
The Straits Area Sportsman Club has done its best to be your voice over the past nine months, but now you have the opportunity to be your voice, to share your opinion in your own words.
The Wolf Management Advisory Council will be meeting for the first time in Ishpeming on August 4th at the River Rock Lanes and Banquet Center from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. This will be the first of many meetings for the Advisory Council to review the 2015 Wolf Management Plan.
We here at the SASC believe that it is essential for you to show up and support Wolf Management in the U.P. The more opinions expressed, the more views shown, which will help close the gap between the DNR and those of us supporting Wolf Management. That being said, we have been made aware that many anti-Wolf Management supporters are driving up to show their support for protecting wolves by doing nothing. While these anti-wolf management groups tend to distort data and truths, please ensure you treat everyone with respect and avoid any possible confrontations.
If you check the StraitsBlog you can read what SASC leaders have been saying when attending the Natural Resource Commission monthly calls. If you would like to send us comments you can email us at sasc764@gmail.com.
*** If you have a wolf issue or encounter it is important to notify the DNR. They need this information for their records to help show wolf problems in the UP go to the DNR website 'Reporting A Wolf Observation' where you can make a report. Or call 906-228-6561 .
Additional Reading
The lawsuit, in Oakland County
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)
June Update
With June coming to an end there is little to report on the committee activities since they have not met. The good news is, while later than originally announced, the Wolf Management Advisory Council will meet for the first time August 4th in Ishpeming, not in Lansing as previously thought. We have also been told the 2nd and last Wolf Survey has been sent out and the results will be available at the end of September.
If you check the StraitsBlog you can read what SASC leaders have been saying when attending the Natural Resource Commission monthly calls. If you would like to send us comments you can email us at sasc764@gmail.com.
*** If you have a wolf issue or encounter it is important to notify the DNR. They need this information for their records to help show wolf problems in the U.P. Scroll down to find a link to the DNR website 'Reporting A Wolf Observation' where you can make a report.
Additional Reading
May Update
With May coming to an end there has not been much to report on Wolf Management in the Upper Peninsula.
DNR Director, Dan Eichinger, did report at the May NRC meeting the DNR’s Wolf Survey had its mailing and is to have a second mailing soon. We have no idea what the questions are or who is selected or how they are selecting recipients.
There has been no action on the lawsuit in Oakland County regarding the makeup of the Wolf Management Advisory Council. The Council has yet to have any meeting. We were told on the NRC call they would be meeting soon.
We hear many different rumors but will not report on them. We only want to report facts as we know them to our followers.
If you check the StraitsBlog you can read what SASC leaders have been saying when attending the Natural Resource Commission monthly calls.
If you would like to send us comments you can email us at sasc764@gmail.com.
If you have a wolf issue or encounter it is important to notify the DNR. They need this information for their records to help show wolf problems in the U.P. Scroll down to find a link to the DNR website 'Reporting A Wolf Observation' where you can make a report.
Additional Reading
April 16th Update
Since our last update, a lawsuit was filed in Oakland County, Michigan on March 30 which alleges DNR Director Daniel Eichinger skirted statutory requirements when appointing members to the Michigan Wolf Management Advisory Council.
The suit filed by Karol Miller, President of The 06 Legacy, individually and on behalf of the organization, claims the director "eliminated the conservation appointment" by appointing MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter, Dick Persinske, and Mike Thorman as the conservation representatives. The lawsuit also challenges the Tribal Representative Miles Falck because he is from Wisconsin.
The Michigan Attorney General's office will represent the Department of Natural Resources with the DNR presenting materials.
The Wolf Management Advisory Council Meetings will follow the Open Meetings Law, and it appears they will not meet until sometime in May.
Addtionally
Shortly after the Gray Wolf was officially delisted in January there were three lawsuits filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern District of California.
The three organizations that filed the lawsuits are Natual Resources Defense Council independently, Western Environmental Law Center filed on behalf of Wild Earth Guardians and a coalition of eight other organizations, and Earthjustice filed on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Humane Society of the United States, National Parks Conservation Association and Oregon Wild.
The three suits challenge the delisting on 20 different claims, but basically, they argue the Federal Government has not done enough for the wolf recovery across their former range.
Safari Club International and the NRA together are intervening in the suits to represent the voice of hunters across North America. While this is frustrating it is not unexpected these groups are well funded and will fight the delisting it in the court system and public opinion with their rhetoric vs sound science.
If you would like to send us comments you can email us at sasc764@gmail.com.
If you have a wolf issue or encounter it is important to notify the DNR. They need this information for their records to help show wolf problems in the U.P. Scroll down to find a link to the DNR website 'Reporting A Wolf Observation' where you can make a report.
Additional Reading
March 29, 2021
Thursday, March 25, 2021, Amy Trotter, Executive Director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and a member of the Wolf Management Plan Advisory Council held a Zoom call with Upper Peninisula affiliated Clubs of MUCC, MUCC Board Members and MUCC Staff.
Amy provided an overview of MUCC’s representation of the groups on the Wolf Management Advisory Council (WMAC) and MUCC’s guiding policies on wolf management. MUCC’s most recent resolution passed at the 2020 Convention, states a goal of 300-400 wolves as a sustainable population and a hunting and trapping season for the entire Upper Peninsula.
Wolves were delisted on Jan 4, 2021, after which several lawsuits were filed, in Northern California, based on the delisting of the Gray Wolf in the Lower 48 States. The DNR feels the legal status should be more permanently settled, especially given the long history of legal challenges to delisting decisions and the resulting shifting status of wolves.
An orientation meeting will be sometime in April for the Council to meet to discuss how the Council will work and a meeting schedule.
This group will again meet again in April after the orientation meeting occurs. Check back in for any updates. If you would like to read the 2015 Wolf Management Plan check further down the page and click on the 2015 Wolf Management Plan tab.
If you would like to send us comments you can email us at sasc764@gmail.com .
On a side note if you have a wolf issue or encounter please notify the DNR. They need this information for their records to help show wolf problems in the U.P. Scroll down to find a link to the DNR website 'Reporting A Wolf Observation' where you can make a report.
Wolf Management Council Members
Below are the NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT which outlines the formation of the Wolf Management Advisory Council. Here are the current members that were recently appointed.
- Amy Trotter - MUCC/Conservation Organizations
- Dick Perschinske (UP Resident) - Farm Bureau/Agriculture/Former Eastern UP CAC Chair
- Mike Thorman - MI Hunting Dog Federation
- Bea Freelander - Attorneys for Animals
- Miles Falck - Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission/Tribal Governments
- Dan Kennedy - DNR Wildlife
Gray wolf podcast
Gary Morgan of Wild Game Dynasty conducts a podcast on his website Wild Game Dynasty.com.
Check out podcast 75 where he interviews Brian Krupla about his experience in the U.P. with wolves. Podcast 76 is an interview with Gary Gorniak about how Michigan needs a Wolf Management Plan.
Wolf Video in Gladstone
Adult wolf taking a stroll through Gladstone. Just down the street from the elementary.
Wolf Sighting in St Ignace, MI
A Club member passed this along to us this past spring. Both videos were taken along the boulevard in St. Ignace Michigan.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT Act 451
324.43540e Wolf management advisory council. Sec. 43540e.
(1) The wolf management advisory council is created within the department.
(2) The council shall consist of at least the following members:
(a) The director of the department or his or her designee.
(b) One member representing an organization that promotes conservation in this state appointed by the director or his or her designee.
(c) One member representing organizations that promote hunting or fishing in this state appointed by the director or his or her designee.
(d) One member representing a tribal government appointed by the director or his or her designee.
(e) One member representing agricultural interests appointed by the director or his or her designee.
(f) One member representing an animal advocacy organization appointed by the director or his or her designee.
(3) The council shall meet at least annually.
(4) A majority of the members of the council constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the council. A majority of the members present and serving are required for official action of the council.
(5) The business that the council may perform shall be conducted at a public meeting of the council held in compliance with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.
(6) A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the council in the performance of an official function is subject to the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
(7) Members of the council shall serve without compensation. However, members of the council may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the council.
(8) The council shall annually submit to the commission and to the legislature a report that makes nonbinding recommendations as to the proper management of wolves in this state.
Straits Area Sportsmen's Club
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 764, St. Ignace, MI 79781
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Membership Information
The Straits Area Sportsmen's Club is for you if you are interested in hunting, fishing, trapping, or other outdoor interests. For membership information, check our Membership Page or email us. (sasc764@gmail.com)
We meet on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at St. Ignace Moose Lodge, 2999 Mackinac Trail, St. Ignace, MI. Please stop in to see what we are doing.