Conservation Groups Challenge Montana Wolf Hunting and Trapping Policies

Conservation groups WildEarth Guardians and Project Coyote filed a lawsuit in Montana State Court claiming that the state’s wolf hunting and trapping policies violate the Montana Constitution, Montana Administrative Procedure Act, Public Trust Doctrine, and several federal wildlife protection laws. The lawsuit alleges that the State of Montana, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission are violating the law by relying on insufficient scientific data and allowing the killing of about 40% of the state’s wolf population in the upcoming winter. Plaintiffs are seeking declaratory and injunctive relief.