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Schultz bill would require annual statewide wolf survey; DNR supports data-driven approach but prefers management-based timing
Summary
Representative Schultz introduced House File 13‑31 to require the Minnesota DNR to conduct an annual statewide wolf population survey so lawmakers and stakeholders can track changes in range and population.
Representative Schultz introduced House File 13‑31, which would require the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to conduct an annual statewide wolf population survey to better track range expansion and impacts.
"Proper management begins with sound science and data," Schultz said, arguing that the current survey covers only the known wolf range and that his district — spanning five counties — is not fully included.
A range of stakeholders supported the bill. Tim Sprecht of the Minnesota Trappers Association and representatives of farming and hunting groups told the committee they want a statewide baseline and ongoing counts so management decisions (including potential future seasons) are grounded in more complete data. Peter Ripka of the Minnesota Farmers Union and Eric Simonson of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association said they have observed wolves in nontraditional areas and argued that management and depredation responses depend on reliable counts. Myles Kushel of the Minnesota Farm Bureau and other agricultural witnesses described livestock depredation concerns and urged a statewide survey.
Pat Rivers, deputy director for Fish and Wildlife at the DNR, and other DNR staff said the agency shares the intent of better information and has methods for estimating wolf numbers. Rivers said the DNR currently conducts annual population estimates for wolves and a five‑year survey of wolf sign across the entire state that informs range maps; the department prefers that management needs determine survey frequency rather than a strict annual statutory requirement.
Members asked about data protections for precise wolf-location information; Representative Schultz said the bill does not include a data‑protection provision but that language could be added. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion; the author invited coauthors and said he would work to refine the measure and data‑security details.
No formal vote on policy change occurred; HF 13‑31 was laid over for further work.
