Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Helena, Mont., May 16, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission has approved a recommendation for increasing the number of wolves that can be killed in the hunting season this year by almost double the previous number. Officials of the commission voted on Thursday to approve the proposal to enhance the quota of wolves in this year’s hunting season which would play a significant role in decreasing the grey wolf population for the very first time.

Apart from accepting the proposal to enhance the wolf quota, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission has also approved the recommendation to introduce an archery season along with the rifle season. It has also come to light that following a public comment period, the officials of the commission would take the final decision on whether the quota for this year’s hunting season would be 150, 186 or 216 wolves whereas during last year’s inaugural hunt the total number of wolves allowed to be killed stood at 75. The increase in the quota of wolf hunting is likely to result in the reduction in the total number of wolves between an estimated eight per cent to twenty per cent.

While talking about the new venture Bob Ream, the chairman of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission pointed out that the organization completely supports the proposal as the commission feels that it is time to reduce that wolf population. However, he also reiterated that the major cause of concern was how far should the initiative should be undertaken and how fast the target can be achieved. Ranchers in Montana have supported the venture as they feel that the wolf population has grown too high.