August 21, 2025

Mission, KS — Hunter Nation today criticized Governor Tony Evers for advancing a wolf management plan that disregards science, circumvents public input, and undermines the interests of Wisconsin’s hunters, farmers, and rural communities.

By rushing the plan through an expedited rulemaking process, the Governor has bypassed meaningful public engagement and prioritized the agenda of out-of-state activist groups over the voices of Wisconsin citizens.

“This is government overreach, plain and simple,” said Hunter Nation Founder Keith Mark. “Governor Evers has made it clear he isn’t interested in debate, transparency, or listening to the people most directly impacted. Instead, he is imposing top-down dictates that ignore the realities faced by rural communities dealing with unchecked wolf populations.”

The plan notably fails to establish a numeric population goal—long recognized as the cornerstone of credible wildlife management. Without measurable objectives, the proposal amounts to political theater rather than responsible conservation, leaving livestock vulnerable, deer herds diminished, and rural families without meaningful protection.

“Every wildlife professional understands that predator management requires measurable targets,” added Mark. “By refusing to set them, this plan ensures the continued, unsustainable growth of wolf populations. It disregards both science and the everyday experiences of Wisconsin farmers, hunters, and conservation-minded citizens.”

Hunter Nation has consistently championed science-based predator management, including measurable population goals, responsible hunting quotas, and accurate reporting standards. Governor Evers’ plan does none of these. Instead, it caters to anti-hunting special interests seeking to protect wolves at any cost, regardless of the consequences for Wisconsin’s rural communities.

Chris Vaughan, Hunter Nation’s Wisconsin State Director, stated, “This is not a management plan. It is a wolf protection plan—and it fails Wisconsin.”

Hunter Nation urges Wisconsin legislators and citizens to reject this attempt at unilateral mismanagement and demand a transparent, science-based approach to wolf conservation.

“Make no mistake—if this plan moves forward, hunters, farmers, and rural families will bear the burden,” said Mark. “Hunter Nation will oppose this reckless proposal at every step. We will continue fighting for real science, real conservation, and the voices of real Wisconsinites against this overreach.”