State wolf hunt to be discussed June 2

An open house to solicit public comments on proposed 2010 wolf hunting regulations, including an increase in wolf quotas, will be held June 2 in Kalispell.

The open house will be held at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional headquarters on Meridian Road from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Regional Wildlife Manager Jim Williams will give a brief introduction and background on Montana’s wolf population and last year’s hunt, followed by a period for the public to ask questions and offer comments.

Montana conducted its first-ever licensed wolf hunt last year. This year’s hunt has been modified, with a proposal to increase the number of wolf hunting units to 14.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission has approved quota alternatives of 153, 186 or 216 wolves, with the quotas being distributed among the 14 hunting units. Last year’s total quota was 75 wolves, with 26 allotted to Region One in Northwest Montana.

Also proposed this year is a wolf archery season for all the hunting units that would open Sept. 4 and run through Oct. 17.

Public comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted until June 14 and final regulations will be adopted by the commission on July 8.

The Kalispell open house is one of many informational meetings that will be held across the state on June 2.

Participants may submit written comments at the meetings or send comments to: FWP - Wildlife Bureau, Attn: Public Comment, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

Written comments also may be submitted online at:

http://fwp.mt.gov