The state’s hunting season for wolves is nearing its conclusion.
The trapping season ends Feb. 28. The general rifle season ends March 15.
Rifle and archery hunters have taken 124 wolves and trappers have reported taking another 56, for a total of 180 this season, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks statistics.
In Northwest Montana, hunters have reported killing 46 wolves with firearms and trapping another 27.
Last season, which was shorter than this year’s, hunters and trappers killed 225 wolves.
Since the summer of 2014, landowners have reported shooting six wolves since the state allowed them to kill the animal if it potentially threatened livestock.
FWP is reminding wolf and mountain lion hunters, and some trappers, who still plan to head afield that they need a 2014 hunting or trapping license to close out the seasons that are now in progress.
The mountain lion season ends April 14. Hunters needing a hunting license for wolf or mountain lion for the 2014-15 season must purchase it by Feb. 28.
Montana trappers who still want to trap most furbearing animals for the remainder of the 2014-15 trapping season also must purchase a 2014 license by Feb. 28.
The 2014 wolf, mountain lion and furbearing regulations are available online on the FWP website and from most FWP offices and license providers.
Montana’s hunting and fishing license year generally runs from March 1 to the end of February each year. Only the mountain lion and wolf hunting season and some trapping seasons extend beyond February.
FWP officials urge hunters to review hunting rules and regulations to ensure they act within the law and that they recognize when others violate the hunting regulations and related laws. Any violation afield can be reported to TIP-MONT at 1-800-TIP-MONT.