Wolf hunting licenses go on sale Aug. 31 in Montana
by Joleen Tadej
Montana's first-ever, fair-chase wolf hunting season, set to open Sept. 15 in some areas of the state, is the culmination of one of the fastest endangered species recoveries on record, wildlife officials said today.
"Montana's approach to recovery has always been open, balanced, and based on science," said FWP Director Joe Maurier. "Montanans have lived with wolves since the mid 1980s, about 10 years before wolves were released in Yellowstone National Park. We've all worked long and hard to reach the day when Montana would fully bring wolves into the state's wildlife management programs."
In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, 66 wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. The minimum recovery goal for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs—successfully reproducing wolf packs—and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years and well distributed throughout the recovery area. The goal was achieved in 2002, and the wolf population has increased every year since.
FWP recently intervened in a federal lawsuit aimed at turning back a recent decision to remove gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains from the federal list of endangered species. FWP will also oppose a preliminary injunction to stop planned wolf hunts in Montana and Idaho.
In March, Montana wildlife officials praised U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar's announcement that affirmed an earlier decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove gray wolves from the list of threatened and endangered species in Montana, Idaho, and parts of Utah, Washington, Oregon.
"That was a great day for Montana and a great day for the Endangered Species Act," Maurier recalled. "It's what we worked for and we were happy to see that officials in far away Washington, D.C. agreed that Montana did its part to establish a secure place for wolves. It was a recognition for a job well done and recognition that Montana earned the right to take over management of this wildlife species."
In July, Montana wildlife officials set a state quota at 75 wolves for hunting seasons across the three specifically defined wolf management units. Hunting license sales are set to begin Aug. 31.
Maurier said the quota of 75 wolves is a conservative approach to hunting a prolific species like the wolf, whose numbers in recent years have increased about 20 percent annually in Montana.
"The quota limits the total number of wolves that can be taken by hunters and it ensures that FWP can carefully monitor the population before, during, and after the hunting season," he said. "We want to take it slowly, learn from the experience, and ensure that we do this right."
At the end of 2008, about 500 wolves lived in Montana in about 84 packs, 34 of which were breeding pairs. Some 1,650 wolves lived in the northern Rocky Mountain region, where wolves can travel about freely to join existing packs or form new packs.
"In Montana, we finally have the full range of tools to manage wolves along with elk, deer, bears, mountain lions, grouse, bighorn sheep, and some 600 other fish and wildlife species. Our goal is to manage all Montana wildlife in balance with their habitats, other species, and in balance with the people who live here."
The recent removal of the wolf from the federal endangered species list allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, guided completely by state management plans and laws.
Licenses will be valid within three specifically defined wolf management units. Hunters must obtain permission to hunt on private lands.
Wolf licenses can be purchased online at fwp.mt.gov, or from any FWP regional office or license provider. Hunters must have, or purchase, a valid 2009 conservation license. Wolf hunting licenses are $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents. An access fee may also apply.
Where To Hunt Wolves
* Montana is divided into three Wolf Management Units and each has its own quota.
* Wolf Management Unit 1, which extends across the northern tier of Montana, the wolf harvest quota is 41, with a subquota of two in the North Fork of the Flathead River subunit.
* WMU 2, a patch of southwestern Montana that stretches from Missoula south through the Bitterroot and Upper Big Hole valleys, the wolf harvest quota is 22.
* WMU 3, which extends across the southern tier of Montana from Dillon east to the Montana border, the wolf harvest quota is 12.
* FWP wildlife management areas are open to hunting during the fall wolf season.
* Legally accessible State School Trust Land is open to wolf hunting.
* Obtain permission to hunt private land.
* Only tribal members may be allowed to hunt wolves on Indian Reservations. Contact the respective Tribal Government Office with questions.
* State Game Preserves, National Parks, and National Wildlife Refuges are closed to wolf hunting.
Wolf hunting season dates correspond to Montana's early backcountry big game hunting season and the big game rifle season. Hunters can hunt in any Wolf Management Unit with an open quota. Season dates are:
* Sept. 15–Nov. 29 in early backcountry deer and elk hunting districts 150, 151, 280, and 316
* Oct. 25–Nov. 29 in entire Wolf Management Units 1, 2 and 3
* Dec. 1-31, if quotas aren't met, the wolf-hunting season could be extended in specific WMUs. No more than 25 percent of the established WMU quota, however, can be harvested in December.
Officials noted, however, that a federal lawsuit to overturn the recent wolf delisting decision could prevent the wolf hunting season and hunting-license sales. FWP recently joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' legal defense of the delisting decision.
Harvest Reporting Requirements
Hunters will have strict reporting requirements. Upon the harvest of a wolf, hunters must call 1-877-FWP-WILD (1-877-397-9453) within 12 hours to file a report.
When a wolf management unit reaches its quota, FWP will close the season upon 24-hour's notice. Hunters can call 1-800-385-7826 for the latest wolf harvest status and closure information.
Montana officials estimated that about 500 wolves inhabited the state at the end of 2008. The recent removal of the wolf from the federal endangered species list allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, guided completely by state management plans and laws.
How to purchase
* Hunters can purchase a wolf license online at fwp.mt.gov, or from any FWP regional office or license provider.
* Hunters must have, or purchase, a valid 2009 conservation license.
* Wolf hunting licenses are $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents.
Regulations and Seasons
* Regulations are available via the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov, and from most FWP license providers.
* Hunters cannot use any motorized vehicle—including OHVs and snowmobiles—to hunt wolves.
* The use of dogs, bait, scent, lures, traps, lights, electronic tracking devices, or any recorded or electrically amplified bird or animal calls to hunt or attract wolves is prohibited.
* Additional rules and regulations that apply to big game hunting are also in effect.
* Wolf hunting-seasons:
o Sept. 15–Nov. 29—in early backcountry deer and elk hunting districts 150, 151, 280, and 316.
o Oct. 25–Nov. 29—in entire Wolf Management Units 1, 2 and 3.
o If a WMU's quota isn't met, the wolf hunting season could be extended in that area to run Dec. 1-31. No more than 25 percent of the established WMU quota, however, can be harvested in December.
Reporting Requirements & Season Closures
* Hunters are required to call 1-877-FWP-WILD (1-877-397-9453) to report harvests within 12 hours.
* Hunters must personally present the tagged wolf hide and skull to a designated FWP employee within 10 days of the harvest for inspection. Evidence of the animal's sex must remain naturally attached to the hide.
* Any hide and skull not presented or registered to FWP personnel within ten (10) days of harvest may be confiscated by FWP.
* When a WMU reaches its quota, FWP will close the season upon 24-hour's notice. Hunters should always check FWP's closure updates before each day afield.
Wolf Hunt Information Hotline
* Hunters can call 1-800-385-7826 for the latest wolf harvest status and closure information.
Hunters could get a refund if a lawsuit succeeds in placing the gray wolf back on the federal endangered species list.
"Montana's wolf hunting season is set and will certainly be well managed under the state's federally approved wolf conservation and management plan," said Joe Maurier, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena. "We're confident the decision to delist the wolf is based on solid wildlife science, but if the federal court disagrees, a refund process is in place that we believe is fair should the hunt be stopped."
Hunters can purchase a wolf license online at fwp.mt.gov, or from any FWP license provider. Montana's wolf hunting licenses are $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents.
Montana's wolf hunting season is set to open Sept. 15 in early backcountry hunting districts. A general wolf hunting season is set to run from Oct. 25–Nov. 29. If certain quotas aren't met, however, the wolf hunting season could be extended to run Dec. 1-31. The total harvest quota is 75 wolves across three wolf management units.
Maurier said if Montana's wolf hunting season is blocked, fees will be automatically refunded in the following manner:
* Full refund—if cancelled between Aug. 31 and Sept. 15, due to having no opportunity to hunt.
* Eighty percent refund—if cancelled between Sept. 15 and Oct. 25, due to having a limited opportunity to hunt.
* No refund—if cancelled after Oct. 26, due to the general season being underway, which is consistent with existing hunting license refund policies.
* No refund—to a hunter who harvests a wolf.
* No refund—regardless of the date of cancellation, if the statewide wolf-harvest quota has been reached.
Maurier stressed that FWP is well prepared for the coming federal court proceedings in Missoula and will oppose any preliminary injunction to reinstate a federal Endangered Species Act listing for gray wolves.
To learn more about Montana’s wolf hunt, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Montana Wolf Hunt."
How to Hunt a Wolf
In preparation for Montana's first-ever, fair-chase wolf-hunting season this fall, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers the following tips for hunters to consider.
Before the hunt
* Learn about wolf biology, behavior, and movement patterns.
* Know your target: a gray wolf is, on average 2.5 feet tall; 5-6 feet long; 70-120 pounds with a broad snout, round ears and fur ranging from gray, black or tan to white. Compared to a coyote, a wolf is massive and long legged.
* Choose the proper weapon: experts suggest a center-fire rifle suitable for big game.
Tips Afield
* Wolves regularly travel on roads and trails, just like hunters, so look for tracks and scat. Wolves will walk in each other's footsteps in single file so that a pack may appear like a single wolf.
* Wolves have a good sense of smell, hearing and sight; are curious and, when seen, may linger for a few seconds before fleeing.
* Wolves communicate with each other through a variety of howls and other sounds, so listen. If you howl at the right time, you might draw in a wolf.
* Pay attention to deer and elk behavior. Alert deer and elk may signal a wolf nearby.
* After the shot, follow the wolf to retrieve and tag it as you would any other big game animal. Wolves aren't known to defend a wounded or harvested wolf pack member.
After the harvest
* When skinning an animal use these common sense precautions:
* Wear rubber (latex) gloves.
* Minimize contact with animal fluids, brain and spinal tissues.
* Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field dressing.
* It's legal to harvest a radio-collared wolf but the collar must be returned to FWP. Please don't cut the collar belting.
* Some wolves, notably east of the Continental Divide in southwestern Montana, suffer from mange—a parasitic infestation caused by mites that results in the loss of fur. Hunters should avoid skinning a mangy wolf. Tag the animal and report the kill to FWP. Upon inspection of the carcass, you may be issued another wolf license.
* Hunters can expect a field-dressed adult wolf pelt to weigh about 15 pounds.
* An early autumn wolf pelt won't be quite as prime as a late season winter hide, but most will have thick and ample fur for tanning.
To learn more about Montana’s wolf hunt, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Montana Wolf Hunt."
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Montana's first-ever, fair-chase wolf hunting season, set to open Sept. 15 in some areas of the state, is the culmination of one of the fastest endangered species recoveries on record, wildlife officials said today.
"Montana's approach to recovery has always been open, balanced, and based on science," said FWP Director Joe Maurier. "Montanans have lived with wolves since the mid 1980s, about 10 years before wolves were released in Yellowstone National Park. We've all worked long and hard to reach the day when Montana would fully bring wolves into the state's wildlife management programs."
In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, 66 wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. The minimum recovery goal for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs—successfully reproducing wolf packs—and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years and well distributed throughout the recovery area. The goal was achieved in 2002, and the wolf population has increased every year since.
FWP recently intervened in a federal lawsuit aimed at turning back a recent decision to remove gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains from the federal list of endangered species. FWP will also oppose a preliminary injunction to stop planned wolf hunts in Montana and Idaho.
In March, Montana wildlife officials praised U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar's announcement that affirmed an earlier decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove gray wolves from the list of threatened and endangered species in Montana, Idaho, and parts of Utah, Washington, Oregon.
"That was a great day for Montana and a great day for the Endangered Species Act," Maurier recalled. "It's what we worked for and we were happy to see that officials in far away Washington, D.C. agreed that Montana did its part to establish a secure place for wolves. It was a recognition for a job well done and recognition that Montana earned the right to take over management of this wildlife species."
In July, Montana wildlife officials set a state quota at 75 wolves for hunting seasons across the three specifically defined wolf management units. Hunting license sales are set to begin Aug. 31.
Maurier said the quota of 75 wolves is a conservative approach to hunting a prolific species like the wolf, whose numbers in recent years have increased about 20 percent annually in Montana.
"The quota limits the total number of wolves that can be taken by hunters and it ensures that FWP can carefully monitor the population before, during, and after the hunting season," he said. "We want to take it slowly, learn from the experience, and ensure that we do this right."
At the end of 2008, about 500 wolves lived in Montana in about 84 packs, 34 of which were breeding pairs. Some 1,650 wolves lived in the northern Rocky Mountain region, where wolves can travel about freely to join existing packs or form new packs.
"In Montana, we finally have the full range of tools to manage wolves along with elk, deer, bears, mountain lions, grouse, bighorn sheep, and some 600 other fish and wildlife species. Our goal is to manage all Montana wildlife in balance with their habitats, other species, and in balance with the people who live here."
The recent removal of the wolf from the federal endangered species list allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, guided completely by state management plans and laws.
Licenses will be valid within three specifically defined wolf management units. Hunters must obtain permission to hunt on private lands.
Wolf licenses can be purchased online at fwp.mt.gov, or from any FWP regional office or license provider. Hunters must have, or purchase, a valid 2009 conservation license. Wolf hunting licenses are $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents. An access fee may also apply.
Where To Hunt Wolves
* Montana is divided into three Wolf Management Units and each has its own quota.
* Wolf Management Unit 1, which extends across the northern tier of Montana, the wolf harvest quota is 41, with a subquota of two in the North Fork of the Flathead River subunit.
* WMU 2, a patch of southwestern Montana that stretches from Missoula south through the Bitterroot and Upper Big Hole valleys, the wolf harvest quota is 22.
* WMU 3, which extends across the southern tier of Montana from Dillon east to the Montana border, the wolf harvest quota is 12.
* FWP wildlife management areas are open to hunting during the fall wolf season.
* Legally accessible State School Trust Land is open to wolf hunting.
* Obtain permission to hunt private land.
* Only tribal members may be allowed to hunt wolves on Indian Reservations. Contact the respective Tribal Government Office with questions.
* State Game Preserves, National Parks, and National Wildlife Refuges are closed to wolf hunting.
Wolf hunting season dates correspond to Montana's early backcountry big game hunting season and the big game rifle season. Hunters can hunt in any Wolf Management Unit with an open quota. Season dates are:
* Sept. 15–Nov. 29 in early backcountry deer and elk hunting districts 150, 151, 280, and 316
* Oct. 25–Nov. 29 in entire Wolf Management Units 1, 2 and 3
* Dec. 1-31, if quotas aren't met, the wolf-hunting season could be extended in specific WMUs. No more than 25 percent of the established WMU quota, however, can be harvested in December.
Officials noted, however, that a federal lawsuit to overturn the recent wolf delisting decision could prevent the wolf hunting season and hunting-license sales. FWP recently joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' legal defense of the delisting decision.
Harvest Reporting Requirements
Hunters will have strict reporting requirements. Upon the harvest of a wolf, hunters must call 1-877-FWP-WILD (1-877-397-9453) within 12 hours to file a report.
When a wolf management unit reaches its quota, FWP will close the season upon 24-hour's notice. Hunters can call 1-800-385-7826 for the latest wolf harvest status and closure information.
Montana officials estimated that about 500 wolves inhabited the state at the end of 2008. The recent removal of the wolf from the federal endangered species list allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, guided completely by state management plans and laws.
How to purchase
* Hunters can purchase a wolf license online at fwp.mt.gov, or from any FWP regional office or license provider.
* Hunters must have, or purchase, a valid 2009 conservation license.
* Wolf hunting licenses are $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents.
Regulations and Seasons
* Regulations are available via the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov, and from most FWP license providers.
* Hunters cannot use any motorized vehicle—including OHVs and snowmobiles—to hunt wolves.
* The use of dogs, bait, scent, lures, traps, lights, electronic tracking devices, or any recorded or electrically amplified bird or animal calls to hunt or attract wolves is prohibited.
* Additional rules and regulations that apply to big game hunting are also in effect.
* Wolf hunting-seasons:
o Sept. 15–Nov. 29—in early backcountry deer and elk hunting districts 150, 151, 280, and 316.
o Oct. 25–Nov. 29—in entire Wolf Management Units 1, 2 and 3.
o If a WMU's quota isn't met, the wolf hunting season could be extended in that area to run Dec. 1-31. No more than 25 percent of the established WMU quota, however, can be harvested in December.
Reporting Requirements & Season Closures
* Hunters are required to call 1-877-FWP-WILD (1-877-397-9453) to report harvests within 12 hours.
* Hunters must personally present the tagged wolf hide and skull to a designated FWP employee within 10 days of the harvest for inspection. Evidence of the animal's sex must remain naturally attached to the hide.
* Any hide and skull not presented or registered to FWP personnel within ten (10) days of harvest may be confiscated by FWP.
* When a WMU reaches its quota, FWP will close the season upon 24-hour's notice. Hunters should always check FWP's closure updates before each day afield.
Wolf Hunt Information Hotline
* Hunters can call 1-800-385-7826 for the latest wolf harvest status and closure information.
Hunters could get a refund if a lawsuit succeeds in placing the gray wolf back on the federal endangered species list.
"Montana's wolf hunting season is set and will certainly be well managed under the state's federally approved wolf conservation and management plan," said Joe Maurier, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena. "We're confident the decision to delist the wolf is based on solid wildlife science, but if the federal court disagrees, a refund process is in place that we believe is fair should the hunt be stopped."
Hunters can purchase a wolf license online at fwp.mt.gov, or from any FWP license provider. Montana's wolf hunting licenses are $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents.
Montana's wolf hunting season is set to open Sept. 15 in early backcountry hunting districts. A general wolf hunting season is set to run from Oct. 25–Nov. 29. If certain quotas aren't met, however, the wolf hunting season could be extended to run Dec. 1-31. The total harvest quota is 75 wolves across three wolf management units.
Maurier said if Montana's wolf hunting season is blocked, fees will be automatically refunded in the following manner:
* Full refund—if cancelled between Aug. 31 and Sept. 15, due to having no opportunity to hunt.
* Eighty percent refund—if cancelled between Sept. 15 and Oct. 25, due to having a limited opportunity to hunt.
* No refund—if cancelled after Oct. 26, due to the general season being underway, which is consistent with existing hunting license refund policies.
* No refund—to a hunter who harvests a wolf.
* No refund—regardless of the date of cancellation, if the statewide wolf-harvest quota has been reached.
Maurier stressed that FWP is well prepared for the coming federal court proceedings in Missoula and will oppose any preliminary injunction to reinstate a federal Endangered Species Act listing for gray wolves.
To learn more about Montana’s wolf hunt, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Montana Wolf Hunt."
How to Hunt a Wolf
In preparation for Montana's first-ever, fair-chase wolf-hunting season this fall, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers the following tips for hunters to consider.
Before the hunt
* Learn about wolf biology, behavior, and movement patterns.
* Know your target: a gray wolf is, on average 2.5 feet tall; 5-6 feet long; 70-120 pounds with a broad snout, round ears and fur ranging from gray, black or tan to white. Compared to a coyote, a wolf is massive and long legged.
* Choose the proper weapon: experts suggest a center-fire rifle suitable for big game.
Tips Afield
* Wolves regularly travel on roads and trails, just like hunters, so look for tracks and scat. Wolves will walk in each other's footsteps in single file so that a pack may appear like a single wolf.
* Wolves have a good sense of smell, hearing and sight; are curious and, when seen, may linger for a few seconds before fleeing.
* Wolves communicate with each other through a variety of howls and other sounds, so listen. If you howl at the right time, you might draw in a wolf.
* Pay attention to deer and elk behavior. Alert deer and elk may signal a wolf nearby.
* After the shot, follow the wolf to retrieve and tag it as you would any other big game animal. Wolves aren't known to defend a wounded or harvested wolf pack member.
After the harvest
* When skinning an animal use these common sense precautions:
* Wear rubber (latex) gloves.
* Minimize contact with animal fluids, brain and spinal tissues.
* Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field dressing.
* It's legal to harvest a radio-collared wolf but the collar must be returned to FWP. Please don't cut the collar belting.
* Some wolves, notably east of the Continental Divide in southwestern Montana, suffer from mange—a parasitic infestation caused by mites that results in the loss of fur. Hunters should avoid skinning a mangy wolf. Tag the animal and report the kill to FWP. Upon inspection of the carcass, you may be issued another wolf license.
* Hunters can expect a field-dressed adult wolf pelt to weigh about 15 pounds.
* An early autumn wolf pelt won't be quite as prime as a late season winter hide, but most will have thick and ample fur for tanning.
To learn more about Montana’s wolf hunt, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Montana Wolf Hunt."
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