Wolf take by landowners lower than expected

The number of wolves taken by Montana landowners so far this year has been much lower than the quota allows.

Landowners across the state may kill up to 100 wolves annually if they pose a “potential threat to human safety, livestock or domestic dogs.” The landowner doesn’t need to hold a hunting license.

But so far this year, landowners have taken four wolves. Hunters, meanwhile, have taken 33 wolves statewide. More are expected to be taken, as the general hunting season began last weekend and trapping season starts later this year.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ plans for a wolf stamp recently were put on hold. More than 50,000 people commented on the stamp proposal. Revenue from the stamp would have gone toward wolf conservation and non-lethal wolf management.

The stamp was supported by large conservation groups, including the National Wildlife Federation, but was opposed by the Montana Stockgrowers Association and the Montana Woolgrowers Association.

Some hunters also opposed spending any money on wolf habitat, which the stamp allows for, even though wolves, elk, deer and other game species share and need the same habitat.