HF 4502

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/04/2024 02:28pm

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; requiring statewide wolf population survey; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.646.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.646, is amended to read:

97B.646 WOLF MANAGEMENT.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Wolf management plan. new text end

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end The commissioner, in consultation with the
commissioner of agriculture, shall adopt a wolf management plan that includes goals to
ensure the long-term survival of the wolf in Minnesota, to reduce conflicts between wolves
and humans, to minimize depredation of livestock and domestic pets, and to manage the
ecological impact of wolves on prey species and other predators.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Wolf mortality. new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end The commissioner shall compile a list that is updated
quarterly on known wolf deaths, based on reporting by conservation officers. The list must
specify the date and location of each wolf death and must be available on the department
website.

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Wolf population survey. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must annually conduct a statewide
wolf population survey to estimate the state's wolf population. The survey must be conducted
statewide and not limited to the historic wolf range or otherwise limited to a portion of the
state.
new text end