Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released information this week especially for those hunters interested in wolf snaring and trapping this season.

Region 2 Education and Program Manager Vivaca Crowser provided details to KGVO News. She said the Montana Trappers Association and the Montana Fur Harvesters will be conducting the classes.

“Because we've had quite a few changes in the wolf trapping regulations for this year, we're helping to spread the word that there's a couple of organizations in Montana that are hosting some workshops for those folks that may want to snare wolves this year because it's new, and there are lots of things to keep in mind ethically and safety wise,” said Crowser.

Crowser said snaring has recently been made legal in Montana, and special training is required to snare wolves properly and humanely.

“Snaring is a form of trapping,” she said. “Prior to this season, snares have not been legal for wolves in Montana, and that's probably the biggest change. There were quite a few changes made ahead of this wolf trapping season but that's the biggest one, and so ahead of that, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Montana Fur Harvesters and the Montana Trappers Association are just really wanting to do everything we can to make sure people are aware of those specific regulations and all the things that trappers need to do to be responsible out there.”

Crowser specifically differentiated between trapping and snaring wolves.

“Trapping for wolves has been legal in Montana for a number of seasons now and we've made some changes to the regulations this year that do change things,” she said. “But trapping and hunting for wolves like for so many other wildlife species is just a way to manage the population, and it's a way for people to participate in that. The regulations are set based on the population goals and depending on where you are in the state, that varies a little bit, but the quotas or the number of wolves that can be harvested whether by hunting or trapping, are controlled and those harvests must be reported.”

Crowser said those interested in trapping or snaring wolves must be proactive and get all the information they can.

“Probably the easiest thing for folks to do is to make sure you read those regulations and then attend these events that are available,” she said. “They're a great opportunity to learn from experienced trappers, to ask those questions and to learn about things like snaring that are new to Montana. A lot of folks don't have experience, and so it's being prepared and knowing all those right steps to take when you're out there that is really the key.”

 

Snare Education Clinics

Oct. 7 - 6 p.m., Victor, C&S Sales, 164 Victor Crossing West

Oct. 12 - 6 p.m., Kalispell, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office, 490 N. Meridian

Oct. 13 - 6 p.m., Superior, Superior Resort, 1186 Mullan Road West

Oct. 16 - 9 a.m., Columbia Falls, Fur handling clinic & snaring education, 287 Midnight Lane

Oct. 19 – 6 p.m., Missoula, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office, 3201 Spurgin Road

Oct. 21 – 6 p.m., Polson, Johnco Storage, 801 5th Street East

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