Montana: Wolf hunt worked, but lawsuit looms

MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press Writer BILLINGS

An examination of Montana's first public gray wolf hunt showed at least nine of the animals were killed in an area prone to livestock attacks a finding that could blunt criticism that the hunt was ineffective. Confident state wildlife officials said they could increase the quota on the predators next year. They want to zero in on a number that would strike a balance between protecting the wolf population and curbing attacks on livestock and big game herds. "We're on the right track," said Carolyn Sime, g r a y wo l f coordinator with Montana Fish,...