Wolf hunting and trapping advocates will collide with state and national wildlife advocates for what will be a lively Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on Friday in the state’s capitol.
The meeting was moved to a larger venue for what’s predicted to be a bigger crowd as both sides rally their supporters.
At the center of the debate is Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ proposal to allow the killing of almost one-third of the state’s wolf population in the 2024-25 season. That’s too many for some, and not enough for others.
Last season, hunters and trappers killed 286 wolves — 161 taken by hunters (56%) and 125 taken by trappers (44%), according to FWP’s 2023 wolf report. The year before, 254 of the big canines were shot or trapped. For the past five years, despite higher quotas, the wolf harvest has steadily declined.
The state’s wolf population is estimated at 1,096 animals that live mainly in the western third of the state. The wolf harvest is heaviest in northwest Montana.
Proposed changes
Two modifications on the agenda, proposed by Region 3 Commissioner Susan Kirby Brooke, come at the urging of Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly.
National attention
The Montana Legislature’s adoption of regulations meant to increase the killing of wolves drew the attention of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agency said Montana and Idaho, have “adopted laws and regulations designed to substantially reduce the gray wolf populations in their states using means and measures that are at odds with modern professional wildlife management.”
Nonhunters
Wolf hunting and trapping opponents have become increasingly vocal since the 2021 Legislature made regulation changes, which may be affecting nonhunters’ backing.
