Jackson Hunting Guides Cut Back In Wolf Permits

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — The Jackson Hole Outfitters and Guides Association has endorsed Wyoming's proposal to cut the number of wolf hunting permits in half this fall.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has proposed reducing the wolf hunting permits from 52 to 26.

Alpine guide Cartlon Loewer says Jackson Hole outfitters would prefer higher harvest quotas.

But he tells the Jackson Hole News & Guide (http://bit.ly/18vVZVr ) that they don't want wolves back on the Endangered Species List.

Biologists estimate that the statewide wolf population fell by 16 percent in 2012, the first year of regulated wolf hunting in Wyoming history.

Under its Endangered Species Act delisting agreement, Wyoming must maintain 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs in the state.