Montana’s 2010 wolf-hunt quota to increase dramatically

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HELENA, Mont. -- The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission plans to at least double the number of gray wolves that hunters can kill this year.

Commissioners voted Thursday to accept a staff recommendation to increase the quota of wolves in this year’s hunting season. After a public comment period, they will vote in July whether that final number will be 150, 186 or 216 animals.

Last year’s quota was 75.

According to state wildlife computer models, the proposed quotas would reduce the state’s wolf population between 8% and 20% from last year’s minimum count of 524.

The proposed quotas do not include wolves killed by wildlife officials responding to complaints of attacks on livestock. About 145 wolves were killed that way in 2009.

RELATED WOLF NEWS:
Northern Rockies gray wolf populations held steady in 2009, biologists say
Wolf attacks on Montana livestock spike, stirring backlash

-- Associated Press