What's at stake
Without federal protections, wolves are in danger of state-approved hunting and trapping, aimed at drastically reducing their numbers.
WISCONSIN
A three-day massacre
Wisconsin law requires an annual wolf hunt whenever federal protections are removed. In February 2021, during the brief delisting of wolves in the lower 48 states by the Trump administration, Wisconsin held a trophy hunt that coincided with wolf breeding season.
Over just three days, hunters killed 218 wolves, almost double the intended quota, with 86% of hunters using dogs to track and corner the wolves for an easier kill. Nearly half the wolves killed were females, possibly pregnant, which could have severe impacts on future generations. Fortunately, a federal judge reinstated federal protections for gray wolves in lower 48 states, except the Northern Rockies.  Wisconsin wolves are safe—for now.
WYOMING
Wolf population stifled in the "Trophy Hunting Zone"
When federal protections for wolves were lifted in Wyoming, the state agreed to maintain at least 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs within the trophy hunting zone. At the end of 2022, Wyoming reported just 12 breeding pairs, barely meeting the minimum requirement. The state’s wolf management policies aim to keep the population just above the threshold that prevents their return to endangered status, limiting growth and recovery.
Unlimited, unregulated killing in the "Predator Zone"
In the remaining 85% of Wyoming, wolves are considered predatory animals and can be killed by any means, at any time, without a license. There, wolf hunting season never ends. Wolves can be harassed, pursued, hunted, shot, or killed using any machine, including snowmobiles. Hunters can chase wolves until exhaustion and run them over for an easy kill. A bill attempting to outlaw this practice, known as "snowmobile whacking," was resoundingly defeated in the state legislature. Because of these lenient policies, few wolves that disperse into the Predator Zone make it as far south as Colorado, necessitating a reintroduction of wolves there.
Animal cruelty is permissible
In early 2024, a man ran over a yearling wolf with his snowmobile in the "Predator Zone." He taped the severely injured wolf's mouth shut and took her to the Green River Bar in Daniel, Wyoming. There, the wolf was paraded around, photographed, and further tormented as she lay bleeding and struggling to stay conscious.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department investigated the incident following an anonymous tip. Despite the severity of the cruelty, the man responsible was only fined $250 for the illegal possession of live wildlife, as current state laws in the predator zone do not prohibit his actions​.Â
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, leading to calls for stricter regulations and protections for wolves in Wyoming. The state's lenient policies on wolf management and the predator zone's lack of restrictions contribute to such acts of cruelty​, highlighting the urgent need to relist the Northern Rockies wolves under the Endangered Species Act.
Idaho
Senate Bill 1211: Decimating Idaho's wolf population
In 2021, Idaho passed Senate Bill 1211 prioritizing wolf killing over conservation and ethical wildlife management. This controversial bill removed most regulations, seasons, and limits on the number of wolves each hunter could kill. The use of night-vision gear, snowmobiles, and ATVs to kill wolves is allowed to make killing even easier.
Incentivized killing
In addition to removing hunting regulations, Senate Bill 1211 introduced financial incentives, offering up to $2,500 as bounties for each wolf killed. The bill also allows for hiring private contractors for aerial shootings.
Relentless wolf killing
In 2023, Idaho adopted a six-year wolf management plan aiming to reduce the state's wolf population from about 1,300 wolves to roughly 500. Despite widespread public opposition and concerns about the state's potentially exaggerated wolf population estimates, the plan was approved.
Public opposition ignored
According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the state's wolf population was estimated at 1,566 in 2019, 1,556 in 2020, and 1,543 in 2021. Following the passage of Senate Bill 1211, the population estimate has continued to fall sharply each year. In 2022, the estimate was 1,337 and dropped further to 1,150 by 2023, highlighting the severe impact of the new wolf-killing legislation on Idaho's wolf population.
Montana
Montana targets 85% of its wolves
In 2021, Montana passed four bills aimed at significantly reducing the state's wolf population by 85%. These new laws allow hunters to use snares, night-vision gear, and spotlights on private lands, as well as baiting, and extended the trapping season. Wolf killing is incentivized through reimbursement to hunters and trappers for their expenses. A single person can kill up to 20 wolves.
Yellowstone wolves in the crosshairs
Yellowstone National Park is globally recognized for its scientific research and monitoring of gray wolves. However, park wolves that venture beyond the park's boundaries into Montana face the same threats as the state's resident wolves.
Alarming statistics
During the 2021-2022 hunting season, the previous quota of wolves was eliminated in the area adjacent to the park. At least 25 wolves from packs that primarily reside in Yellowstone were killed, 19 of which were killed in Montana. This marked a 481% increase over the average number of Yellowstone wolves killed from 2009-2020. Consequently, 19.1% of the park's wolf population was lost. Aggressive hunting laws and lack of a no-kill (buffer) zone around Yellowstone pose a continuous threat to these wolves.
Concerns over population estimates
Montana's wolf population estimates, using the Integrated Patch Occupancy Model (iPOM), have faced criticism for potentially overestimating wolf numbers. This model relies on indirect signs like sightings and track surveys, which can lead to inflated figures due to repeated sightings and data gaps. Overestimating wolf populations can result in higher hunting and trapping quotas, threatening their long-term survival.
You can help
Find out which of your elected officials are endorsed by The 06 Legacy for their commitment to protecting wolves and join the effort to save them.
The 06 Legacy is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America's gray wolves.
