Wolf Hunting in Wyoming

Wolf Hunting in Wyoming

Mackenzie Nichols

Psychology/Communications 353

October 25, 2013

Wolf hunting in the Western Mountain state of Wyoming began when the gray wolf was released from Canada into Yellowstone National Park, as well as surrounding areas, in 1995 and 1996. The original intention of the reintroduction of the gray wolf to Wyoming was because of past extirpation in the region. Because of the vast wilderness and an abundance of prey species throughout the area, it was seen as a suitable location for reintroduction. After the reintroduction, the numbers of gray wolves throughout the region soared. At the end of December 2011, numbers in Yellowstone reached an estimated 328 wolves, which included 48 packs and 27 breeding pairs. Outside of Yellowstone, numbers were estimated at 224, with 36 packs and 19 breeding pairs. (WGFD, 2013) These numbers are significantly higher than the required number to keep wolves off of the Federal Endangered Species List.

Wolves in Wyoming are considered dual classified by state management. In the Northwest region of the state, gray wolves are considered and managed as “Game Trophy Animals”. This essentially means hunters are required to have a wolf-hunting license and may only harvest wolves during the season. Once a designated number of wolves have been harvested, as determined by Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department (WGFD), the hunt season in that specific area is closed. Every hunter who harvests a gray wolf is required by state law to report the kill to WGFD within 24 hours, as well as turn in the skull for biological study purposes, within 10 days. In the remainder of Wyoming, gray wolves are classified as predatory animals. Any animal listed by state management as a predatory animal may be killed at any time, for any reason. They are required to report the kill to WGFD within 10 days, but are encouraged rather than required to turn in the wolf skull.

Approximately 92% of Wyoming’s gray wolf population resides...