LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan authorities say at least 20 wolves have been killed in the Upper Peninsula during the state's first wolf hunt in decades.

The state Department of Natural Resources says the latest count is through 6 a.m. EST Sunday. It says five wolves were killed in the far western U.P., 12 in central counties and three in the eastern U.P.

The wolf season started on Nov. 15 and runs through December, unless 43 are killed before the end of the year.

It's the first hunt in Michigan since the wolf was placed on the endangered species list nearly 40 years ago. Twelve-hundred people are licensed to participate with firearm, crossbow or bow and arrow.

The DNR had estimated the state's wolf population at 658.

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Online: Michigan wolf hunt: www.michigan.gov/wolves