PSA Deny Further Wolf Hunting Season in Montana

Project Alpha Wolf's message against further wolf hunting Season in Montana

In 2011, the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP) adopted a statewide wolf hunting quota of 220 and created an additional “wildlife management unit” (WMU) in the Bitterroot Valley 

( WMU 250). The model they adopted predicted that the statewide quota will result in a 25% reduction in the wolf population; other models used by independent scientists suggest perhaps a reduction as much as 39%.

The wolf hunting quota assigned to the Bitterroot Valley (WMU 250) is 18 wolves. However, as of January 21, 2011, only 4 wolves have been killed by hunters. In December, in response to pressure from hunting organizations and outfitters, Montana FWPs extended the wolf hunting season to Feb. 15, 2012 despite vehement objection from wildlife advocates and scientists.

On January 19th, the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP) held another meeting to propose a second extension in this unit through April 1, 2012. Extending a wolf hunt into April would be a devastating blow to the wolf population in Montana. The breeding season for Gray Wolves occurs in February. Approval of this extension would take place during the breeding season, thus affecting pregnant wolves and pups, which could be legally harvested during the hunt. 

When Montana initially announced its wolf management plan, they noted that wolves would be harvested as other games species are. There are no other species that are hunted while they are pregnant. In addition, there are no other WMU’s that are asking for this extension. 

The commissioners voted and the extension request passed on a 3/2 vote. The two commissioners that voted no stated the following:

Commissioner Ron Moody said the 4 of the 18 wolves had been killed in this wolf management unit. He mentioned that the female wolves would be in the late stages of pregnancy.

Chairman Bob Ream asked “Why should we support closing all the WMU’s but this one? Other WMU’s have not achieved their quota but we are closing them anyways. I will vote “No” on this.”

 
Commissioners Colton, Vermillion and Stafne voted to take comments and possibly have the hunt extended to April 1 2012 or until the quota is filled. This would also indicate that if the wolf quota was NOT filled on April 1, the hunt could continue indefinitely until that quota is reached. 

The most unsettling portion of this request for extension is that there appears to be no biologically sound reason for the request. The request is in response to pressure for hunters, outfitters and residents who are unhappy with number of wolves harvested this season. Hunts for other game species are not extended when quotas are not met. In this case, there is a bias and dislike of the hunted species that is fueling the request for an extension. 

There is no valid or necessary reason to grant this second hunt extension. Wildlife management must be based in science and biology. The emotions and personal feelings of citizens should be considered in addition to biology and science, but it should NEVER be the sole reason used to continue a hunt. 

The ethical question of hunting a pregnant animal is being proposed at this time. Allowing this to happen to wolves potentially sets a precedent that any predator or species that the public does not like, can now be hunted even when in its reproductive cycle. This policy would be devastating to any species that was subjected to the practice. The genetic and general health of a species is determined by having successful breeding seasons. This propagates the continuity of a strong and healthy population. 

Project Alpha Wolf and the National Wolf Watcher Coalition are encouraging concerned citizens from around the country to contact the commission and let them know that we are looking to them to uphold ethical management practices and to end this hunt as planned on 2/15/12. This vote is not finalized and the input from the public could change the outcome of this tentative approval. 

This is a time when your voice is needed and it could make a difference for Gray Wolves in Montana. Please visit the National Wolfwatcher Coalition atwww.wolfwatcher.org or Project Alpha Wolf athttps://www.facebook.com/ProjectAlphaWolf for more information on how you can help the Montana wolves and wolves everywhere.