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Group Offers $100 Bounty to Wolf Hunters

By Beacon Staff

HAMILTON — A sportsman’s group concerned about the impact of wolves on big game hunting opportunities is offering an incentive to wolf hunters.

The Ravalli Republic reports Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife is offering a $100 reward for photographs of wolves legally killed between now and the end of the season on Feb. 15.

Keith Kubista of Stevensville says the group is concerned the state quota of 220 wolves won’t be met. Hunters have killed half that many.

No wolves have been harvested in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River drainage. Hunter numbers declined there after the state switched to permit hunting for elk and deer. Most wolves are killed by hunters looking for other game.

Marc Cooke of the National Wolf Watchers Coalition says he’s opposed to the incentive.