One of the more effective predator control programs for Minnesota livestock producers received a preliminary setback in a state Senate Committee this week. The Committee voted 8 to 6 to suspend the wolf hunt, although there’s been no movement on that issue in the State House or the rest of the Senate yet. Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association President Dar Geiss says opponents to the hunt have been spreading misinformation that needs to be dispelled.

Geiss says it’s difficult to get solid numbers on how many wolves are out there but the attacks on livestock have been increasing.

He says last year’s legislature moved funding intended for predator control in the agriculture department over to the Department of Natural Resources. He says that needs to be restored so those predators can be controlled.