Beth Duman , Wolf Park, Battle Ground, IN 47920, USA; Dorothy McLeer, Natural Areas Department, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA

Historically in Michigan, antagonistic attitudes of residents and deer hunters toward wolves lead to the virtual extirpation of wolf populations in Upper Peninsula (UP). After an absence of more than twenty years, Michigan DNR biologists confirmed the presence of wolves in the mid-1980s. To ensure the viability of the present wolf population, Michigan DNR volunteers canvas state lands talking with hunters in their camps prior to firearm deer season. The Hunter Outreach Program reaches over 1,000 hunters annually in an effort to:

1. distribute accurate information about wolves
2. inform hunters there are wolves in the area
3. provide observation reports to the people most likely to see them

This program was created in the mid-1980s to address negative attitudes about wolves and foster positive relations between citizens and DNR personnel. In the past few years, isolated livestock depredation cases have been reported, as well as several wolf attacks on dogs. During the 1998 firearm deer season two radio-collared wolves were shot, an indication that negative attitudes are resurfacing. Some published responses to articles about wolves show a decidedly hostile perspective regarding wolf populations in the UP, as well as the government agencies charged with protecting them. Driving these roads in government vehicles searching for camps, we are never sure how our visits will be received and we must handle confrontational situations with great diplomacy.

The unique cultural character of the UP is showcased during deer season. "Temporary" tent camps are erected along truck trails and two track roads along state forest land. Some of these tent camps are quite elaborate, complete with gas stoves like those found in home kitchens. We are often greeted at these camps as "the wolf ladies." In our informal, non-threatening capacity as volunteers, we are often able to qualitatively gauge overall attitudes about wolves and the DNR. The impacts of this volunteer outreach effort may become more evident as Michigan's wolf population increases.