Thousands Purchase Wolf-Hunting Permits

Demand was high as wolf tags went on sale in Idaho Monday morning, Aug. 24, for a hunt to begin Sept. 1.

Idaho Fish and Game spokesman Ed Mitchell said that more than 2,000 permits were sold in the first hour and a half after going on sale at 10 a.m. By Tuesday morning, more than 5,100 tags had been sold, with about 2 percent going to out-of-state hunters.

Hunters will be allowed to kill 220 wolves throughout Idaho, with limits set in 12 different "wolf zones." In addition, 35 wolves can be killed by the Nez Perce Tribe. The tags cost $11.75 for Idaho residents and $186 for non-residents.

In Montana, hunting licenses go on sale Monday, Aug. 31, with the first hunting season beginning Sept. 15.

In July, Montana wildlife officials set a state quota at 75 wolves for hunting seasons across the three specifically defined wolf management units. Licenses will be $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents.

However, there is a chance the hunts could be canceled before a shot is fired if environmental groups are successful in a last-minute injunction hearing set for Monday, Aug. 31, in Missoula, Mont.