FLATHEAD COUNTY
By Will Wadley
KALISPELL, Mont. — The owner of a lodge west of Kalispell said his business is hurting after a slow hunting season, and he is blaming wolves. The Lodge at McGregor Lake owner Mike Feldmann usually keeps a poster board of trophy pictures that hunters drop off on their way home, but this year he has posted images he captured of a pack of wolves feeding on a heifer carcass near the Middle Thompson campground during this year’s archery season. He said that this year his business has struggled.
According to statistics from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, whitetail and elk harvest numbers are down 20% from the average, and mule deer kills were off by 30%.
Wildlife managers said predators have definitely had an impact the big game population, but they also blame the last few long winters for reducing fawn counts.
Officials say that with milder winters, the population should recover, but Feldmann said he’s afraid the damage has already been done.
“What we’re seeing is that the word’s getting out on us, that the opportunities just aren’t there like they have been in the past. At least in our immediate area,” said Feldmann.
The numbers are also down for this year’s wolf hunt. With less than a month to go, only half the quota has been met. FWP officials are considering extending the season into next year.