HELENA, Mont. -- Montana last week extended its wolf hunt to Feb. 15 as the number of predators killed so far has fallen far short of the quota of 220 animals.
The state's Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission also approved a plan to allow hunters to assist state and federal officials in killing problem wolves that prey on livestock, a duty that previously solely belonged to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services.
The commission kicked off its two-day December meeting by giving hunters additional time to meet this year's wolf quota. To date, hunters have killed just 105 wolves.
FWP officials said the 220-wolf quota would reduce the predators' population in the state by 25 percent to an estimated 425 wolves. They said such a drop in wolf numbers would reduce instances of wolf attacks on livestock and big game, therefore easing tensions with ranchers and hunters, while maintaining a viable and connected wolf population.
The commission had originally considered extending the season from the original Dec. 31 closure to Jan. 31, but then decided to extend it into February to give hunters an even better chance of meeting the quota.
The commission also said wolf hunters won't have to wear orange outside of deer and elk season.
Conservationists opposed the extension. Mark Cook of the National Wolf Watchers Coalition said the commission "shouldn't keep shifting the goalposts."
