Archery Hunting For Wolves Opens September 1

Archery hunters in Montana once again have the opportunity to pursue wolves this fall.

For the upcoming season, archery hunters can pursue wolves throughout Montana beginning Sept. 1, Sept. 15 for backcountry rifle hunting and Oct. 15 for the general rifle season. The archery season will close Oct. 14 and the general season will end Feb. 28, 2013.

Montana’s first wolf trapping season will run Dec. 15 through Feb. 28, 2013, but to participate all prospective trappers are required to attend a certification class to learn more about what it will take to properly harvest a wolf and the need to be prepared for the challenge.

This year, while there isn’t a statewide wolf harvest quota, there is a combined hunting and trapping bag limit of three wolves, with hunters allowed to harvest only one wolf. In addition, hunters must be aware that there are specific harvest quotas of two wolves in Wolf Management Unit 110 and two wolves in WMU 316. Those WMUs are located near Glacier and Yellowstone national parks respectively.

A wolf harvest must be reported to FWP within 24 hours by calling 1-877-397-9453 or 1-877-FWP-WILD. Successful hunters in backcountry areas will be allowed to report wolf harvests within 24 hours of reaching a trailhead with one exception. Successful hunters in WMU 316, a backcountry area with a quota, are required to report their harvests within 24 hours of taking a wolf.

To learn more about Montana’s wolf population, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov click ‘For Fish & Wildlife Information’ then “Montana Wolves”.