Dedicated to protecting America's gray wolves through education, awareness, and electing pro-wolf candidates to office
When wolf management falls under state control, the result is often deadly. Aggressive policies trigger extensive killing, endangering not only the wolves but also the ecosystems they help maintain.
Over just three days, from February 22 to 24, 2021, a state-sanctioned trophy hunt in Wisconsin resulted in the killing of 218 wolves, many pursued to exhaustion by hunting dogs.
Wyoming manages for just 160 wolves, the minimum number necessary to avoid federal protections. In over 85% of the state, wolves can be killed by almost any means, at any time, without a license. This unregulated killing of wolves is designed to limit their population growth and spread.
Wolves can even be chased by snowmobiles and run over. A bill outlawing this practice was resoundingly defeated in the legislature.
The 2023 Idaho Wolf Management Plan targets a 62% reduction of the state's wolf population. During 2022-2023, more than 1,020 wolves were killed by trophy hunters in Idaho.
The state allows unregulated, all-year hunting of wolves, with no limits on the the number of wolves a hunter can kill. Furthermore, Idaho authorizes the hiring of private contractors, whose sole purpose is to kill wolves.
In Montana, 250-300 wolves are typically killed during each six-month trophy hunting season. Each hunter can kill up to 20 wolves (10 via hunting and 10 via trapping). The state has initiated a bounty program that reimburses hunters and trappers for killing wolves.
Recent regulations have extended the trapping season and authorized the use of snares, night-vision equipment, spotlights on private lands, strangulation snares, and bait to lure wolves, significantly increasing the means by which wolves can be killed.
The fate of wolves depends on decisions made by government officials. While some advocate for strong protections, others push for managing wolf populations through hunting and trapping. Do your elected officials stand for wolves?
Learn about wolves, understand the challenges they face and why strong protections are crucial to their survival.
The tragic death of this legendary Yellowstone alpha female inspired a global movement. Her legacy lives on as we fight to secure a safe future for wolves, wherever they roam.
The 06 Story in Wolf Stories