Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is now accepting public comment on a draft plan and environmental impact statement (DEIS)regarding gray wolf management in the state.
The draft 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan shifts a counting metric from the number of breeding pairs to the number of wolves representing at least 15 breeding pairs. The plan establishes that 450 wolves would ensure 15 breeding pairs. Population estimates will continue to be determined by the Integrated Patch Occupancy Modeling method.
The agency will not convene a citizen advisory group for wolf management at this time, as it says the public has had the opportunity to comment on wolf management for the past two decades.
Comments will be accepted on the plan and DEIS through Dec. 19. To view the documents and submit comments, visit tinyurl.com/5ernvad5.
Public meetings about the draft plan will be scheduled prior to the public commenting period.
