Hunters and trappers have blown past Wisconsin's wolf kill target, forcing an early end to the hunting season and angering animal rights activists and conservationists. 

The Department of Natural Resources opened a season Monday that was supposed to run through Sunday, with a kill target of 119 animals.

It became clear Tuesday that hunters and trappers were on pace to exceed the limit, so the agency moved up the season's end to 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The department reported around midday Wednesday that hunters and trappers had already 162 animals.

They also exceeded state targets during the 2012, 2013 and 2014 wolf seasons.

The hunt ended at 10 a.m. Wednesday in zones 2, 5, and 6 and will end at 3 p.m. Wednesday in zones 1, 3, and 4. Zone 1 includes Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron counties as well as parts of Washburn, Sawyer, and Price counties.

To see the original story and related outdoors reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-Tv website.  https://www.wdio.com/superior-wisconsin-news/dnr-early-end-wolf-season-/6021227/