By Chris Foy
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced Wednesday that the Gray Wolf Hunt Area No. 1, the Clark’s Fork Management Unit northwest of Cody, is now closed. The area closed Wednesday morning because the mortality quota of four wolves was reached.
Wolf seasons close in hunt areas where the species is classified as a trophy game animal and when the mortality quota is reached – or alternatively when the season closes on December 31 – whichever comes first.
The department reminds wolf hunters to pick up a copy of the most recent gray wolf hunting regulations. Also, hunters of these predators should call the Gray Wolf Mortality Quota Hotline at (800) 264-1280 before going hunting to determine which areas are still open. In a media release, the department says information on hunt area closures and quotas is updated daily.
Additionally, any wolf that’s harvested in the Wolf Trophy Game Management Area or the Seasonal Wolf Trophy Game Management Area – through February 28 – must be immediately reported to officials by calling the above hotline within 24 hours. The pelt and skull of the harvested animal must be presented by the licensee within five days to a game warden, wildlife biologist or at a Game and Fish regional office for registration.