UPDATE

Montana FWP approves wolf hunting proposal

Posted: Jul 12, 2012 4:38 PM by Lindsey Gordon - MTN News
Updated: Jul 12, 2012 6:07 PM

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission voted on Thursday to approve a wolf hunting proposal that will allow hunters to each kill up to three wolves.

In addition to approving next season's wolf hunting season, commissioners also approved a provision to allow trapping.

The trapping provision would allow each trapper to catch as many as three wolves, although it still prohibits controversial snares that would catch wolves by the neck.

Dozens of people lined the meeting room during the public comment period, with advocates and opponents presenting their sometimes passionate arguments.

"Not one specific interest group got everything they wanted," Commissioner Shane Colton said.

FWP staff reports that there were more than 650 wolves roaming Montana at the end of 2011 and they want to reduce that number to 425.