Hunters have killed fewer wolves in Montana so far this season compared to a year ago, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks statistics.
A total of 80 wolves have been tagged through Nov. 25. By December 1 last year, hunters had killed more than 100.
While the general big game hunting season has ended, the hunting season for wolves continues until Feb. 28. The state’s first trapping season begins Dec. 15.
A total of 166 wolves were killed during last year’s extended season, shy of the state’s 220 quota.
Following changes approved by the FWP Commission there is no quota this year except in two designated districts near Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. The bag limit for hunters and trappers is a combined three wolves per person. One wolf can be taken by means of hunting with a valid license. Trappers who have taken one of the state’s certification classes can take three wolves.
The FWP Commission can authorize an emergency closure if too many animals are killed.
In Northwest Montana, hunters have killed nine wolves in District 130, south of Kalispell along the Swan Range; seven in District 121, a section of Lincoln and Flathead counties bordering Sanders County; five in District 101, a section of Lincoln and Flathead counties between Whitefish and Libby; two in District 100, in the farthest northwest portion of Lincoln County bordering Canada; and one in District 110, near the North Fork Flathead River and Glacier National Park, where there is a quota of two wolves.
Hunters have killed 12 wolves in District 310 in sections of Gallatin, Madison and Park counties southwest of Bozeman. The second highest total — 11 — has been tallied in District 390, the largest unit in the state spanning east from south-central Montana.