Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) reports that about 60 percent of the statewide wolf quota of 220 wolves has been met in Montana’s 2011-2012 wolf hunting season.
A total of 100 wolves were taken during the regular archery and rifle seasons Sept. 3 through Nov. 27. The FWP Commission then extended the wolf hunting season until Feb. 15, or until the statewide quota is met. This season extension resulted in the harvest of an additional 33 wolves as of Wednesday, Jan. 11.
The commission will consider an additional wolf hunting season extension in the Bitterroot at its Jan. 19 meeting.
The FWP Commission has removed the requirement for wolf hunters to wear hunter orange during the extended season.
“Hunters may not realize that there are good, accessible areas for wolf hunting remaining, and that there are still open quotas,” said Quentin Kujala, FWP fish and wildlife section chief. “For those wanting to harvest a wolf, now is the time.”
For up-to-date information on the quota status of Montana’s wolf management units, go to the wolf hunting guide on the hunting page at fwp.mt.gov.
Kujala reminds hunters that a wolf harvest must be reported within 12 hours of harvest by calling 877-397-9453 or 1-877-FWP-WILD. Check the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov for quota updates, or call 1-800-385-7826.