BY JAKE NEHER
Michigan Public Radio Network
If an animal welfare group gathers enough signatures over the next few weeks, a law opening Michigan to a wolf hunt will be put up for referendum. A state board approved the group's petitions Thursday.
The new law makes the gray wolf a game species in Michigan. That means state wildlife officials could choose to declare a hunting season.
The group Keep Michigan Wolves Protected will have to gather more than 160 thousand signatures in less than six weeks to put the issue on the November 2014 ballot.
Michael Hodge is their attorney. He said wolf populations are fragile and pose no threats to people, pets, or livestock.
"There really isn't very much in terms of even anecdotal evidence to suggest that there's a problem with the wolves." Hodge said.
Supporters of the law say a managed hunt is the best way to prevent future problems.
Copyright 2013, MPRN