The first regulated wolf hunting seasons in Montana and Idaho have proceeded, with successful harvest specific quotas being reached in both states, reports the Wildlife Management Institute.

In Idaho, with a 220 wolf harvest limit, 108 wolves had been killed as of November 17. The Upper Snake, McCall-Weiser and Dworshak-Elk City wolf zones were closed because the harvest limits of 5, 15 and 18 wolves, respectively, were met. In the McCall-Weiser area, one wolf was killed illegally before the season officially opened. The Palouse-Hells Canyon and Southern Mountain zones are also nearing harvest limits. The Idaho season is scheduled to end on December 31, but Idaho Fish and Game is reportedly considering extending the season in one or two management zones to reduce specific wolf populations.

In Montana, the wolf hunts closed after sunset on November 16 after 72 wolves were harvested. The state's total harvest quota was 75 and wildlife officials determined the hunt was close enough to the limit to close the season. In Southeastern Montana, including areas around Yellowstone National Park, the season closed on October 26 after 13 wolves were killed, one more than the limit. In Southwestern Montana,21 wolves of the 22 wolf quota were harvested. Thirty-eight of the 41 wolf quota in northern Montana were killed.

Overall, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are reporting a successful and efficient hunting season. The state sold 15,600 tags and raised over $325,000. Montana's wolf coordinator, Carolyn Sime, said the agency was able to closely monitor the season and quota limit because hunters reliably reported their kills within 12 hours as required. The agency will be analyzing harvest numbers and evaluating how the hunt affected packs and the state's wolf population to make changes in season dates, bag limits and wolf management units for next year's hunting season. (jas)