The state DNR will decide next week who gets to hunt in Wisconsin’s inaugural wolf season.

A lottery will take place, to determine who receives the 1,160 available non-tribal hunting and trapping permits.

The DNR plans an electronic lottery on Wednesday from an estimated 20,000 applications received as of Friday, August 31st.  Winners will be notified the following week.

They’ll be told they cannot use hunting dogs to help guide the hunters to wolves.

Dane County Judge Peter Anderson struck down the hunting dog provision a week ago, at the request of animal rights and environmental groups who said it would cause blood-shed between the dogs and the wolves.

The judge will decide Wednesday whether to dismiss the suit, as requested by the DNR because the plaintiffs’ main issue will have already been addressed.

DNR staff members expect to ask the Natural Resources Board later this month for permission to apply the dog ban for a wolf season that’s scheduled to begin October 15th.