Judge orders wolf hunting, trapping reopened

A district court judge on Jan. 2 reopened wolf hunting and trapping seasons in two areas north of Yellowstone National Park. The areas were closed by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission on Dec. 10 in response to concern that hunters were taking wolves with collars that supplied scientific information to Yellowstone National Park researchers.

Several sporting groups and a state representative from Park County challenged the FWP Commission’s decision with a lawsuit. District Judge Nels Swandal’s order suggested that FWP failed to offer sufficient public notice about the closure and set a hearing for Jan. 14. The areas ordered to reopen are near Gardiner.

Montana’s wolf hunting and trapping seasons are open through Feb. 28. So far, hunters have taken 102 wolves and trappers have reported taking 30 wolves. The minimum Montana wolf population estimates at the end of 2011 include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs.

For more information, visit online at http://fwp.mt.gov and click “Montana Wolf Hunt.”