In this undated photo provided by Jayne Belsky via the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, a gray wolf is seen in a wooded area near Wisconsin Dells. Credit: Jayne Belsky via WDNR and AP

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Increased wolf hunting and trapping in 2013 resulted in a 19% reduction in the Wisconsin wolf population, according to a preliminary report issued Tuesday by the Department of Natural Resources.

The state’s wolf population was estimated at between 658 and 687 animals in late winter, down from 809 to 834 in late winter 2012-’13.

The wolf update was announced Tuesday in Wausau at a meeting of the state’s Wolf Advisory Committee.

“The goal for the season was to apply downward pressure (on the wolf population),” said Dave MacFarland, DNR large carnivore specialist. “The increased mortality associated with harvest was the difference.”

After state wildlife managers more than doubled the number of wolf harvest permits, hunters and trappers killed 257 wolves in Wisconsin last fall, up from 117 in 2012.

The 2013-’14 winter population represents the first substantial decrease in the Wisconsin wolf population since state biologists began to chart the species’ recovery. There were an estimated 25 wolves in Wisconsin in 1979-’80.

From 1993 to 2012, wolves in Wisconsin showed annual increases in both number of individuals and packs.

But in January 2012 the federal government removed the wolf from protections of the Endangered Species Act and states in the Great Lakes region resumed management of the species.

The Wisconsin Legislature passed Act 169 in April 2012, authorizing the first regulated wolf hunting and trapping season in state history.

With state management restored, the DNR announced its desire to reduce the wolf population to a "biologically and socially acceptable level."

The 1999 Wisconsin wolf management plan established a wolf population goal of 350 animals.

Even with 117 wolves killed by hunters and trappers in 2012, the first regulated wolf season in state history, the population was stable.

However, the DNR raised the kill goal to 251 wolves in 2013, more than double the quota in 2012.

A model developed by University of Wisconsin researchers estimated a kill of 251 wolves would result in a population reduction as large as 23%.

The 19% population reduction reported by DNR officials is “in line” with the objective for the season, MacFarland said.

In additon to the 257 wolves killed by hunters and trappers last year, 65 wolves were killed for depredation control, 21 died from vehicle collisions, 11 were illegally killed, six died of unknown causes and two from natural mortality.

The committee on Tuesday began formulating recommendations for the 2014-’15 wolf harvest quota.

The DNR is also updating the state’s wolf management plan. A draft should be available for public review this fall, according to the agency.