Wolf Quota Reached Outside Yellowstone, Four Shot

BILLINGS — Montana’s gray wolf season around the town of Gardiner ends 30 minutes after sunset Thursday after hunters filled a four-wolf quota in the area near Yellowstone National Park.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman Ron Aasheim says the closure applies to both hunting and trapping in Wolf Management Area 313. That’s one of two areas near Yellowstone where hunting has been restricted following requests from federal park officials.

The only other place in Montana with restrictions on how many wolves can be shot is west of Glacier National Park, where there’s a two-wolf quota.

Hunters statewide have reported shooting 106 wolves since the season began Sept. 7. Wolf hunting ends March 15.

Trappers have taken three wolves so far, in a season that began Sunday and runs through February 28.

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