https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/Montana-considers-wolf-hunting-rules-amid-16256055.php

IRIS SAMUELS,Associated Press/Report for AmericaJune 17, 2021Updated: June 17, 2021 5:05p.m.Comments

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A commission governing wolf hunting in Montana is considering new wolf management rules that would make it easier to hunt wolves in the state after the Legislature passed several laws earlier this year to encourage additional wolf hunting.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks already expects the number of wolves in the state to decrease from around 1,150 to between 900 and 950 wolves following a particularly successful hunting season. Over 320 wolves were harvested during the 2020 hunting season — significantly more than the preceding eight-year average of 242 wolves per year, according to a report released by the department this week.

Still, the department believes the state’s wolf population can support increased wolf hunting without leading to adverse biological effects, according to the report.

The fish and wildlife commission…