Montana looks to expand hunting of wolves despite criticism [View all]

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Montana looks to expand hunting of wolves despite criticism

By Laura Zuckerman
Sun May 12, 2013 5:11am EDT

(Reuters) - Conservationists are criticizing a plan by wildlife managers in Montana that would nearly double the number of wolves a person is allowed to kill each year, lengthen the hunting season and sanction shooting of wolves near baited traps.

The proposal by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission officially begins receiving public comment on Monday and is to be voted on by commissioners this summer.

The aim is to reduce the state's wolf population, estimated at 625, by giving more leeway to hunters and trappers, wildlife officials said.

"Our overall goal is to get wolves in balance with the rest of the critters on the landscape as well as landowner tolerance," said agency spokesman Ron Aasheim.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/12/us-usa-wolves-montana-idUSBRE94B02N20130512