DULUTH — Minnesota hunters killed at least 17 wolves during the opening weekend of the late wolf season, where trappers had their first chance at the animals.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, seven wolves were taken in the Northeast Zone as of Sunday evening and 10 in the Northwest Zone.

No wolves were reported killed in the state’s East-Central Zone.

The total was a decrease from the opening weekend of the early hunting season, when at least 50 wolves were killed. The opening of the early season coincided with the state’s firearms deer season, so many more hunters were in the woods.

There is a statewide quota of 253 wolves for the season, which runs until Jan. 31.