Monday, August 24, 2009
Hunting

Montana’s first wolf hunting licenses will go on sale Aug. 31.

Licenses will be valid within three specifically defined wolf management units. Hunters must obtain permission to hunt on private lands.

How to purchase

# Hunters can purchase a wolf license online at fwp.mt.gov , or from any FWP regional office or license provider.
# Hunters must have, or purchase, a valid 2009 conservation license.
# Wolf hunting licenses are $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents.
# Regulations and Seasons Regulations are available via the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov , and from most FWP license providers.
# Hunters cannot use any motorized vehicle—including OHVs and snowmobiles—to hunt wolves.  
# The use of dogs, bait, scent, lures, traps, lights, electronic tracking devices, or any recorded or electrically amplified bird or animal calls to hunt or attract wolves is prohibited.
# Additional rules and regulations that apply to big game hunting are also in effect.  
# Wolf hunting-seasons:
# Sept. 15–Nov. 29—in early backcountry deer and elk hunting districts 150, 151, 280, and 316.
# Oct. 25–Nov. 29—in entire Wolf Management Units 1, 2 and 3.
# If a WMU’s quota isn’t met, the wolf hunting season could be extended in that area to run Dec. 1-31. No more than 25 percent of the established WMU quota, however, can be harvested in December.


Quotas

# The total harvest quota is 75 wolves across three wolf management units .
# WMU 1, the northern tier of Montana, the quota is 41, with a subquota of two in the North Fork of the Flathead River subunit.
# WMU 2, in extreme southwestern Montana, the quota is 22.
# WMU 3, across the southern tier of Montana, the quota is 12.


Where to Hunt Wolves

# Montana is divided into three Wolf Management Units and each has its own quota.
# FWP wildlife management areas are open to hunting during the fall wolf season.
# Legally accessible State School Trust Land is open to wolf hunting.
# Obtain permission to hunt private land.
# Only tribal members may be allowed to hunt wolves on Indian Reservations.   Contact the respective Tribal Government Office with questions.
# State Game Preserves, National Parks, and National Wildlife Refuges are closed to wolf hunting.


Reporting Requirements & Season Closures

# Hunters are required to call 1-877-FWP-WILD (1-877-397-9453) to report harvests within 12 hours.
# Hunters must personally present the tagged wolf hide and skull to a designated FWP employee within 10 days of the harvest for inspection. Evidence of the animal’s sex must remain naturally attached to the hide.
# Any hide and skull not presented or registered to FWP personnel within ten (10) days of harvest may be confiscated by FWP.
# When a WMU reaches its quota, FWP will close the season upon 24-hour’s notice. Hunters should always check FWP’s closure updates before each day afield.
# Wolf Hunt Information Hotline Hunters can call 1-800-385-7826 for the latest wolf h arvest status and closure information .


To learn more about Montana’s wolf hunt, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click " Montana Wolf Hunt ."



http://fwp.mt.gov/news/article_8391.aspx