MAINTAINING THE TROPHY ZONE WOLF POPULATION – The Wyoming Game & Fish Department is marking another 35 wolves in the state’s trophy game management area. The total number of tagged animals is now at 80, with 1 to 2 collars in each pack.
Why Collar Wolves?
The goal is to get the more detailed GPS collars on the wolves when taking blood and biological samples. However, the GPS collars will only last about 2 to 3 years, whereas the radio collars will last about 7 years. Additional attempts to re-collar the wolves are worth it though as researchers want to understand more about wolves in general.
Under federal law, Wyoming is required to keep a 
total of 150 wolves in the state and at least 15 breeding pairs. These new collars help ensure the state is meeting its federal minimum. Population size can become an issue when the state allows wolves to be shot on site if they are on or near ranch land.
But if you want that trophy alpha wolf you will have to hunt in a trophy zone. This is where Wyoming has quotas, season dates, and specific zones. If you’re planning a hunt, check the regulations first.
Are Collars Worth it?
The question of whether wolves are good or bad for Wyoming really depends on who you ask. It is important for the state to collar wolves so we can better understand their habits and movements. If wolves are going near ranch land and damaging a farmer’s livelihood, researchers want to know how they can prevent wolves from going towards those areas. Wolves are tagged in much the same way and for the same reasons as ducks, deer, mountain lions, bears, and other animals. The 35 wolves with these new tags will be monitored by aerial surveys. The surveys track which packs the animals associate with and ultimately how they live.
Have you been able to do a wolf hunt? Share your stories in the comments below!
Other Articles!
One of the other states to have quotas and no open season on wolves is Idaho. Check out our recent article on Idaho possibly adding a year round hunt! https://www.ehuntr.com/possibility-of-year-round-wolf-hunting-in-idaho/
