FWP Commission Extends Wolf Hunt To Feb. 15

Montana is extending its wolf hunt until Feb. 15 to help reach its quota of 220 of the predators.

The Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission unanimously approved the proposal in its Thursday meeting. The Feb. 15 date goes past the one-month extension of the Dec. 31 closure the agency originally considered.

Hunters in Montana have killed 105 wolves this year in the first hunt since Congress removed federal protections for the gray wolf in the Northern Rocky Mountain states this year.

FWP officials say reaching the 220-wolf quota would reduce the predators' population by 25 percent to an estimated 425 wolves.

The commission also is set to decide on a plan to allow hunters to assist state and federal officials in killing problem wolves that prey on livestock.

Associated Press