Montana did not reach it’s quota of wolves that they had hoped to harvest in 2011. They’re expanding their season to get there in 2012, and it’s including a trapping season.
The idea of including trapping as means of harvesting wolves was officially announced on July 18. Trapping provided a lot of controversy this year, with more comments being filed about the season that about the first season last year.
Hunters will have a long season that spans from September to February, to pursue wolves. Trappers will have from December through February, but to participate all prospective trappers are required to attend a certification class to learn more about what it will take to properly harvest a wolf and the need to be prepared for the challenge, according to the Outdoor Hub.
A statewide harvest quota was not even set this year in hopes of thinning the numbers. Last year, hunters harvested 166 wolves, about 75 percent of the quota of 220 wolves.
Because of the controversy, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks department will review of the overall harvest prior to the opening of the trapping season to determine if season adjustments are needed. The department can close the wolf season whenever they want.–Brian McClintock
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