Montana wolf hunt quota to double

Good news for hunters worries environmentalists. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission voted on Thursday, May 13, to more than double the number of wolves that hunters can kill this season. The decision to thin out the once endanger gray wolf has been debated since the first ever wolf hunting season in 2009. Many ranchers and residents are eager to cut down on the wolves looming about their property. However, many environmental groups object that the doubling of the quota is just too fast and too soon. The Fish and Wildlife Commission says the wolf population is two high, posing a threat to the areas elk population and livestock. Ranchers lost 200 sheep and 100 cattle to wolves last year. In addition to increasing the quota, the Commission has opened up an archery season to complement the rifle season started last year...more