FWP Clarifies Wolf Hunt And Livestock Rules

As Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks prepares to intervene in a lawsuit filed this week against the federal government over a decision to delist gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains, the agency continues to field questions about the state’s wolf management role and what private citizens can do to protect their pets and livestock.   Until a federal judge rules otherwise, FWP will continue to follow its federally-approved management plan and associated Montana state laws.   Here are some answers to several common questions.

·         Montana’s Proposed Wolf Hunting Season

 Q. When will there be a hunting season for wolves?

A. Montana’s FWP Commission recently adopted a wolf-hunting season that would generally run Oct. 26- Dec. 31. No hunting would occur, however, until the FWP Commission takes additional steps to adopt harvest quotas.

Q. When will FWP begin to sell wolf-hunting licenses?

A. In light of legal challenges, Montana’s wolf-hunting licenses will not be available until Montana is assured a season will occur. License sales and a hunting season this fall will not occur unless a pending request to stop all state management, including hunting, is denied.

·         Wolves, Livestock and Pets

 Q. What can I do to protect my livestock?

A.       Montana livestock producers can haze or harass wolves, but not injure them, at any time.   Montana livestock producers can kill a wolf that is seen actively killing or threatening to kill livestock or herding and guarding animals on either private or public land. Such incidents must be reported to FWP in 72 hours.

Q. What can I do to protect my pets?

A. Owners of companionship dogs or hunting dogs can haze or harass wolves, but not injure them, at any time. They can kill a wolf that is seen actively attacking or killing their dog or other animal on either private or public land. Such incidents must be reported to FWP in 72 hours.

Q. Is this authority granted under state or federal law?

A. The flexibility to protect livestock and companionship dogs or hunting dogs is provided in Montana law in the "defense of property" statute that pertains to mountain lions or black bears caught damaging private property.

Q. What do I do if I suspect wolves have injured or killed my livestock?  

A. FWP works with Wildlife Services to address damages to private property caused by wildlife and to reduce the risk of loss and resolve conflicts. Wildlife Services will continue to be primarily responsible for field investigations to determine the cause of livestock injury or death. Should you suspect that wolves injured or killed your livestock, maintain the physical evidence of the incident—injured or dead livestock, broken fences, trampled vegetation, or wolf sign—and call your nearest FWP or Wildlife Services office.

  To learn more about Montana’s recovered wolf population, visit FWP online at   fwp.mt.gov. Click Montana Wolves.