The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) announced changes to wolf hunting and trapping regulations for the 2021/2022 season. The changes came on August 20, as a result of over 26,000 comments received during a month-long public comment period that the FWC held online from June 26 through July 26 this year.
Many are calling the changes too aggressive, but despite some public outcry, the FWC moved ahead with new regulations that eliminate quotas, allow for multiple wolf trapping and hunting licenses, will enable the use of snare traps, and extend wolf trapping season.
Wolf Regulation Changes
The new wolf regulations state that after an initial harvest of 450 wolves, the commission will review and make in-season, rapid adjustments as necessary. The commission will reassess after every additional 50 wolves harvested.
There were also new harvest numbers announced per region. Once the following wolf harvests are made for each area, the commission will re-engage and adjust the trapping and hunting regulations accordingly.
- Region 1 - 195 wolves
- Region 2 - 116 wolves
- Region 3 - 82 wolves
- Region 4 - 39 wolves
- Region 5 - 11 wolves
- Region 6 - 3 wolves
- Region 7 - 4 wolves
Changes to Wolf Snares
The following are changes that the FWC announced regarding wolf snares. These detailed requirements for wolf snare equipment and setting requirements are in place to minimize the chance of you snaring a non-target animal.
- Snares must have a loop stop that closes with a diameter of no smaller than 2.5”
- Stop loops must be placed at least 8” from the end of the loop
- The bottom of the snare loop must be at least 18” over the surface
- A snare’s breakaway device must be installed on the loop end and rated at 1,000 pounds
- Power-assisted, spring-loaded snares are not allowed on public land
- In lynx protection zones, snares must have a relaxing snare lock
The FWC made several additional changes at a meeting on August 20. To view the changes in their entirety, please visit the MFWP's wolf regulations page.
