The deadline is looming for hunters and trappers selected in the lottery for Minnesota's late wolf hunting season to buy their license. Any licenses not purchased by then will go on sale to the general public starting Nov. 19 at noon on a first-come, first-served basis.

The state DNR is about to take over management of the gray wolf again after the federal government takes the animal off the endangered species list. Officials are still working out the details, but they say a hunting and trapping season could start up as early as fall and would likely involve a lottery system. They would take public comments before launching the season.

Minnesota takes over management of its 3,000 gray wolves from the federal government on Friday. The DNR suggests a lottery system to award wolf hunting licenses.

Minnesota hunters have killed at least 110 wolves in the first eight days of the state's highly controversial wolf hunt, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The statewide quota for the early hunting season is 200 wolves, which runs through Nov. 18 or until hunters reach the limit.

One disagreement involves the timing of a wolf hunting season. The DNR thinks it should come after the firearms deer season has ended. But bills in the Legislature would have the seasons run concurrently. Next fall's hunt will be the first since the gray wolf came off the Endangered Species List.

Governor Dayton signed into law the outdoors bill that raises the cost of a fishing or hunting license in Minnesota. The additional revenue will help keep the DNR's game and fish fund solvent. The same bill authorizes the first wolf hunting season since the gray wolf came off the endangered species list.

The first regulated hunting and trapping season will target 400 wolves and be split into two parts coinciding with the firearms deer season starting in November. A total of 3,600 licenses will be available for the early season and 2,400 for the late season. The DNR will take public comments online through June 20.