Wolf hunt slow so far

The Montana wolf hunt may be going slowly, but the number of wolves removed from the landscape by government hunters and trappers is well above last year.

According to figures provided by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, 90 wolves were killed by government sources through the end of October.

In all of last year, that same number was 47 and landowners killed 11 wolves. This year, landowners have taken six wolves and 25 wolves have died through other means — some were hit by vehicles, two have been killed by mountain lions and many others are from unknown causes.

Last year the number of known wolves killed by other means was also 25, but hunters killed 122.

As of late last week, hunters had taken 49 wolves.

Last year, according to FWP reports, wolves killed or injured 86 cattle, 14 sheep, a horse and six dogs. This year to date, wolves had killed or injured 88 cattle, 40 sheep, one goat and two dogs.

The wolf hunting season continues through Feb. 28. Trapping season runs Dec. 15 through Feb. 28.

Trappers have to have special mandatory training endorsed by FWP before they can legally trap a wolf.