The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Commission voted to halt wolf hunting and trapping when the goal of 82 wolves killed is achieved in Region 3, which encompasses the southwest portion of the state.
When FWP established the hunting and trapping season for 2021-22, they set a statewide limit of 450 wolves, with regional thresholds based on the proportion of the estimated statewide population for each region. For Region 3, it is estimated that 18 percent of the population is in the region. The threshold for Region 3 would be 18 percent of 450, or a maximum of 82 wolves to be killed for the season.
As of Jan. 31, the statewide harvest was 190 wolves, with 76 wolves killed in Region 3. The season closes on March 15.
Region 3 encompasses the southwest portion of the state and portions adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. The area comprises wolf management units 310, 313, 316, 320, 330 and a portion of 390, with units 313 and 316 abutting the park.
Recognizing the potential to reach 82 wolves before the end of the season, FWP commissioners met to discuss options, including making no adjustments, setting another threshold or adjusting hunting and trapping regulations in all or parts of the region.
Many during the comment period expressed concern about the number of wolves killed in units 313 and 316. In January, the Associated Press reported Yellowstone park officials were concerned 15 wolves were killed once they crossed into Montana, causing “a significant setback for the species’ long-term viability and for wolf research.”
Park officials estimate 94 wolves remain in the park but noted the Phantom Lake Pack is now considered “eliminated” after most or all of its members were killed. Park Superintendent Cam Sholly sent a letter on Dec. 16 to Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) expressing concern about the number of Yellowstone wolves killed.
Chris Servheen, adjunct professor at the University of Montana, speaking on behalf of the Montana Wildlife Federation, said the wolf regulations established by the commission “lacked any biological justification” and that the “ongoing killing will increase the momentum to relist wolves (as an endangered species).”
Servheen said the organization supports the hunting of wolves based on science and asked the state to halt hunting in Region 3 immediately. Servheen asked for the quota for units 313 and 316 to be limited to one wolf each. The Montana Wildlife Federation in 2011 led efforts to delist wolves and return management to the state.
In September, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it would conduct an in-depth status review of whether state management of wolves warrants relisting the species under the Endangered Species Act.
Many commenters spoke of the ecological and economic benefit of the wolves, including helping to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease in the ungulate population, and the economic value to people living and working in and near the park. In the 30 minutes of public comments, no one favored extending the hunting season or spoke about predation.
Prior to the vote, Commissioner K.C. Walsh stated he received a letter from Sholly requesting that units 313 and 316 be closed to hunting immediately. Commissioner Pat Byorth, who represents Region 3, concurred with Walsh that the units should be closed and the season closed when the goal of 82 wolves is achieved in the rest of the region.
Commissioner Pat Tabor asked if the 96 wolves taken from Region 3 in 2020 could be considered Yellowstone wolves. Ken McDonald, administrator for the Wildlife Division for FWP, replied that because the units are small in size, some of those wolves could have been considered from the park due to their extensive ranges. McDonald said when wolves leave the park, they are considered Montana wolves.
The commission voted unanimously to close the season when 82 wolves are killed. — Charles Wallace, WLJ editor
