Despite Extended Hunting Season Montana Wolf Population is Up 15 Percent
OutdoorHub Reporters 03.01.12
Reports out of Montana are stating that there are now at least 653 wolves in the Treasure State.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say at least 87 more wolves have been counted at the end of 2011 over the 2010 numbers.
While this news is great for the wolves, it is contrary to Montana FWP’s plans. In 2010 the FWP, in response complaints from livestock owners, set a goal of reducing Montana’s wolf population to 425; this put the quota for the season at 220. However, only 165 wolves were killed, despite the addition of over a month to the hunting season.
Montana officials are considering some changes to the current hunting laws in order to increase the number of animals taken during next year’s season.
Those changes include:
- Allowing hunters to kill more than one wolf
- The use of electronic calls
- A new trapping season
- Extending the hunting season even further