The Wisconsin DNR says about 25 wolves have been killed during the wolf hunting and trapping season that started earlier this month.

DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp told the DNR board this week that she's pleased with the first ten days of the wolf hunt. Stepp says with about two dozen wolves having been harvested, all aspects of the initial season are off to a good start, "It's encouraging for outdoor enthusiasts."

Stepp says the DNR is carefully monitoring when any wolf hunting zone might have to be closed.

Also watching the Wisconsin wolf hunt is Howard Goldman. He's a member of the Wisconsin Wolf Stakeholders group, and head of the Minnesota chapter of the Humane Society of the United States. Goldman remains opposed to the wolf hunt, and says many other wolves will be killed in Wisconsin this year through poaching, being hit by vehicles or legally euthanized after attacking livestock. He says add those to the 116 wolves allowed to be killed in the hunt by non-tribal members, and that's too large a reduction in Wisconsin wolf numbers, "With this species err on the side of caution."

Goldman's group and the fund for animals recently filed notice of a possible lawsuit against the Interior Department, asking the wolf hunts in Wisconsin and Minnesota be stopped. The Minnesota hunt starts November 3, unless the Minnesota Supreme Court blocks the season.