Biden Administration Seeks to Revive Trump-Era Rule on Gray Wolves

The Biden administration has asked the 9th U.S. District Court of Appeals to reinstate a Trump-era rule that removes Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves across the U.S. If approved, this rule would transfer wolf management to state control, potentially reopening hunting seasons in regions like Minnesota.

This request marks the administration's first concrete step toward reviving the rule, while maintaining existing protections pending the court's decision. Environmentalists had successfully overturned this rule during Trump's final days, challenging the Fish and Wildlife Service's declarations of wolf recovery in court.

Wolf recovery has been contentious since the species was granted federal protections in 1974 after being decimated by government-sponsored campaigns. Successive administrations have faced challenges in balancing the recovery of wolf populations with economic interests.

The administration has sided with livestock and hunting groups, including the National Rifle Association, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA), and Sportsmen's Alliance. Conversely, it faces opposition from environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity, which unscientifically argue that wolf protections are crucial for sustained recovery.

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) has been advocating for state control of wolf management for decades, long before other groups entered and exited the debate. According to MDHA, state departments of natural resources are better positioned to manage wolf populations locally and responsibly. MDHA continues to monitor developments and remains committed to participating in state wolf management efforts.

The ongoing debate over wolf protections highlights the complexities of balancing conservation with human activities. While the Biden administration's request signals a potential shift toward state control, the final decision rests with the court. Meanwhile, federal officials are also working on a national recovery plan for wolves, set to be completed by December 2025.

This decision will have lasting impacts on the future of gray wolves in the U.S., and all stakeholders are keenly watching the developments.