LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY
By Katherine Mozzone
HELENA, Mont. — Fish, Wildlife and Parks want the option of extending the Montana wolf hunt through January.
Hunters have taken 46 wolves since the season opened in September, far less than the 220 quota they hope to fill by December 31st.
FWP officials say even though it’s still early in the season, not reaching the quota could mean unbalance and more depredation to wildlife and livestock.
That’s why officials say it’s important to be pro-active.
“The quota was based on good science and we’re very comfortable that with 220, the wolf population will remain very healthy. We’re also very comfortable that if we don’t take 220, we’re going to have a problem with balance again- additional livestock depredation, additional depredation to other wildlife on the landscape so, it’s all about balance,” says FWP Bureau Chief of the Communication Education Bureau Ron Aasheim.
FWP commissioners are set to discuss a wolf hunt extension in a meeting November 10th.