Groups challenge Montana wolf hunting, trapping regulations

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Two wildlife advocacy groups are challenging changes to Montana’s wolf hunting and trapping regulations, arguing they were made without public comment. Trap Free Montana Public Lands and Wolves of the Rockies filed the lawsuit in December. They’re asking a judge to eliminate the use of infrared and other night hunting aids from the regulations and to prevent the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks from allowing aerial hunting and spotting for wolves. FWP Chief Legal Counsel Becky Dockter said the agency would deny the claims in their answer to the complaint. The rules were changed to implement legislation directing the agency to reduce Montana’s wolf population to sustainable levels.