Annual open season for wolves required.

HF 649 requires Minnesota's wildlife commissioner to establish an annual open season for wolf hunting after wolves are removed from federal endangered species protections. The bill mandates that the commissioner consult with the agriculture commissioner and USDA before setting season rules, considering data on wolf conflicts with livestock and pets. Season rules must align with Minnesota's existing wolf management plan and include public comment opportunities. This directly affects state wildlife management decisions, hunters, and livestock owners by creating a required annual process for wolf population control.