Montana governor signs bill allowing payment to wolf hunters

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill allowing the use of private funds to reimburse wolf hunters or trappers for their expenses - reminiscent of bounties that widely exterminated the species in the last century.

Hunting and livestock groups say there aren't enough wolves being hunted in Montana to limit their impact on big game outfitters and cattle and sheep producers.

The bill is similar to a program in Idaho, where a private group pays its members up to $1,000 for costs incurred while scouting, hunting or trapping wolves.

Gianforte has also signed bills allowing the snaring of wolves, in addition to trapping, and another to extend the wolf hunting season.