Wolf trapping to open in several Wolf Management Units around the state

FWP PRESS RELEASE - After monitoring grizzly bear activity across much of the state, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is opening wolf trapping in Wolf Management Units 100, 101,110,130 and 150 in Region 1; WMUs 313, 316 and 390 in Regions 3 and 5; and WMU 400 in Region 4. These WMUs are open effective Dec. 21.

FWP biologists have been monitoring grizzly bear activity with a variety of methods since early November. This includes monitoring collared grizzly bears, sightings of bears in the field, weather assessments and reports from the public.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted final changes to the 2021 wolf trapping regulations at its Oct. 28 meeting. The adoption included a “floating” start date for wolf trapping in areas with grizzly bears to be no earlier than the Monday after Thanksgiving, and no later than Dec. 31.

The commission directed the department to assess grizzly bear activity outside of dens to determine the potential for trapping conflicts and to open the wolf trapping season in grizzly areas when that risk is low. 

However, trappers need to be aware that grizzly bears could still be active and should avoid any area where bear sign is observed.

For up-to-date information on the wolf trapping season, click here.