2012 wolf hunt: Trapping, no quota among proposals

HELENA — Montana officials planning the state's upcoming wolf hunt are considering allowing trapping for the first time and eliminating quotas in an effort to reduce the number of wolves in the state.

Ranchers and hunters concerned about their livestock and big-game kills have complained the growing wolf population threatens their interests and they have pressured state regulators to do more to cut wolf numbers. In March, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials invited county commissioners from across the state to Helena to hear their ideas for improving the hunt's effectiveness.

The s...