Prospective wolf trappers must attend a wolf-trapping certification class and have a Montana trapping license to trap wolves. At the required wolf trapping certification classes, which are being offered statewide, prospective trappers will discuss all aspects of Montana's wolf population and the trappers’ associated responsibilities.

NOTE: The classes for 2012 are done. There will be no more classes available until fall 2013.

About the classes

The classes are free, open to individuals 11 and over. Each class will be a comprehensive 6-hour long education session (with a one-hour break) taught by FWP staff and experienced wolf trappers.

The trapping portion of each certification class will be taught by trappers who have considerable experience in trapping wolves.

Certification topics will cover:

• trapping ethics, regulations, equipment, and proper techniques to avoid trapping non-target species;
• history of wolves in Montana;
• the current status of wolves in the state;
• wolf management and the role of trapping in conservation;
• caring for a harvested wolf;
• and reporting and registering one’s harvest.

Montana wolf trappers can also get certified by taking the wolf trapping class offered by Idaho Fish and Game. For information on Idaho's wolf trapper class visit fishandgame.idaho.gov .

Wolf Management in Montana

FWP is using both hunting and trapping as a wildlife management tool to bring Montana's rapidly growing wolf population into balance with the habitat, other wildlife and with the values and tolerance of the people who live, work, and recreate in Montana.

The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies remains one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, 66 wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. The minimum Montana wolf population estimates at the end of 2011 include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs. The minimum wolf count is the number of wolves actually counted by FWP wolf specialists, and likely is 10 to 30 percent fewer than the actual wolf population.

FWP has led wolf management under the federal guidelines since 2004. The delisting of wolves in May 2011 allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, which is guided by state management plans, administrative rules, and laws.

Wolf Trapping Course Schedule

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The classes for 2012 are done. There will be no more classes available until fall 2013.

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