Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
More than 1,700 people contacted Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in August, interested in becoming certified to trap wolves. About 830 have already been certified, and 1,050 more are registered for upcoming classes.
Earlier this year, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission approved Montana’s third wolf hunting season and added a trapping season to begin Dec. 15 and end Feb. 28, 2013. To trap wolves, however, prospective trappers must attend a certification class and have a Montana trapping license.
Such considerable interest has led state wildlife officials to add more certification classes.
“We’re offering additional classes in Anaconda, Bozeman, Kalispell and Missoula,” said Ken McDonald, chief of FWP’s wildlife bureau in Helena.
Most of the remaining six-hour-long certification classes, the last courses offered this year, are held on weekends. Like many of the September classes that filled immediately, the October and December opportunities are full or filling fast.
The wolf archery season closed Oct. 14, and the general rifle season will run Oct. 20 through Feb. 28, 2013.
FWP has led wolf management under the federal guidelines since 2004. The delisting of wolves in May 2011 allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed. State management plans, administrative rules and laws guide these specifications.
For more trapping information, including certification dates, times and locations, visit the Fish, Wildlife and Parks website at fwp.mt.gov. Click on “Wolf Trapping Certification.”
Idaho Fish and Game also offers wolf-trapping classes. For more information, visit fishandgame.idaho.gov.
