Montana wolf hunters learned this week that the Montana wolf hunting regulations to stay same as they have been, according to wildlife officials at the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (fwp.mt.gov). The agency announced that it has a plan in place to let the state’s population of wolves be hunted, yet maintain a viable population.
During Montana wolf hunting seasons in the past, officials have used several methods to keep the wolf population in check, while still satisfying wolf hunters. For instance, they have had different type of season dates, as well as quotas. However, now there are no quotas except that in areas next to the Yellowstone and Glacier National parks. Additionally, land owners must abide …show more content…
This left the Montana wolf population about 554 wolves, which was a decline of 12 percent. Any wolf hunters who intend to travel to the state to hunt in the next season will be following the current laws and regulations.
Wolf advocacy groups say that they are happy the state is not going to lower the protection status of the wolves living in Montana. Groups like the Defenders of Wildlife's Rockies and Plains (www.conservemontana.org) program want the wolves in Montana treated like any other wildlife and don’t want them to be prosecuted.
Grey Wolf Populations in Montana over the years varies
The wolf is a controversial topic in not just involving Montana wolf hunting laws and regulations, but in several other western states. The population of wolves in Montana has varied over the years, with 412 wolves counted in 2013 with 16 breeding pairs being confirmed.
The Montana portion of the Greater Yellowstone area had a minimum of 122 wolves in 23 packs with 11 breeding pairs, and Montana’s portion that includes Central Idaho included 94 wolves residing in 20 packs and having six breeding