by Patrick Lynn

A Madison judge has ruled dogs can be used in the Wisconsin wolf hunt.

A group of humane societies filed suit against the DNR earlier this year to block the use of dogs, saying it was inhumane to the wolves. Portage County Humane Society was not among them.

Beyond the lawsuit, the state’s inaugural wolf hunt went off without any major hitches and no known injuries. The season closed December 23 and yielded 115 kills, according to DNR records.

Dane County Judge Peter Anderson initially banned the use of dogs until hearing arugements regarding their use in the hunt. On Friday he ruled hunters could use the dogs, but banned using wildlife of any kind to train the dogs for the hunt.

“We are pleased that Judge Anderson removed the injunction,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp in a statement, adding also the DNR was disappointed in the judge’s restriction on training the dogs.

“We will continue to seek input from the public and from stakeholders – including tribes – as we continue to develop permanent rules on the wolf season, and the use of dogs for both training and hunting of wolves,” the statement also read.