Wyoming Wolf Hunting Quota May Be Halved

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is proposing to reduce wolf hunting quotas by half this fall because of the state's successful first hunt last year.

Officials say the state's wolf population could not withstand another 52-wolf quota without coming dangerously close to the required minimum set in Wyoming's delisting plan.

If wolf numbers drop below the minimum requirement, it could lead to re-listing the wolf as an endangered species, which results in special federal protections.

Hunters killed 42 wolves during the trophy and seasonal trophy hunting seasons from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 last year.

Game and Fish officials tell the Associated Press that they are proposing a quota of 26 wolves this year.

The agency will hold public meetings on the proposed quota.