Study Finds Limited Impact
Legal wolf hunting in the western United States has had very little effect on reducing livestock losses, according to a new study led by the University of Michigan. Researchers analyzed data from Montana and Idaho—where public wolf hunts are allowed—and compared it with Oregon and Washington, where hunting remains prohibited.
Hunting Does Not Significantly Reduce Predation
Montana and Idaho began regulated wolf hunts in 2009, aiming to reduce conflicts between wolves and ranchers. Officials assumed that lowering wolf populations would lead to fewer cattle and sheep deaths. However, the study found that removing a single wolf protects only about 7% of one cow, meaning roughly 14 wolves would need to be killed to save a single animal. Current wolf populations are estimated at about 1,100 in Montana and more than 1,200 in Idaho.
Calls for Wildlife Intervention Remain Steady
Even in states with legal hunting, ranchers continue to request wolf removals. In 2024, Montana hunters and trappers killed 297 wolves, yet ranchers still reported losing 62 livestock animals to wolf predation. The research suggests that hunting does not consistently reduce the need for state and federal wildlife agencies to intervene.
Legal and Management Context
Wolf hunting has been the subject of legal disputes. The gray wolf was briefly delisted from the Endangered Species Act in 2020, but a court reversed the decision in 2022.
The study’s authors emphasize that their research is not intended to weigh in on the hunting debate. “We’re talking about finding a management tool that will help ranchers manage livestock predation,” said co-author Leandra Merz.
Conclusion
Overall, the study indicates that legal wolf hunting is not an effective strategy for protecting livestock. Alternative management approaches may be needed to address conflicts between wolves and ranchers.
