The Montana Wolf Population has been increasing dramatically since 1995.  In December of 2007 the best estimate was a minimum of 422 wolves within the state boundaries of Montana.  The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, found that wolves kill approximately 7 to 23 elk per wolf in the winter.  A wolf does not have to kill every day to survive, many wolves kill to just kill and that is why some hunters have such problems with the wolf population. Wolves hunt year round 365 days a year which is not needed to survive.  
      The Helena Independent Record reported a study that was taken.  The Study confirmed what hunters suspected, that the elk population in some areas of Montana have dropped dramatically due to the wolves.  The study showed how the elk population decreased mainly because the elk calves are targeted by wolves and grizzly bears in areas of Montana.  However the same study showed in some areas of Western Montana elk population has increased even while the number of elk taken by hunters has decreased.  The study found little influence by local wolf pack on elk numbers in those areas. 
      Many hunters are not surprised to hear that elk populations have dropped as the result of the 1994 reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park.  This year’s wolf season hunters showed more interest in learning about the wolf behavior compared to the past hunters.  Future hunters could get the opportunity next year to use the options of electronic calls, trapping, extending the season, and allowing hunters to purchase two permits and lowering the cost of a wolf hunting license for out-of-state hunters.  Some of the changes would require legislative approval.  This year’s total shooting was a total of 166 wolves, 75 percent of the quota.  With the courts continually stepping into the wolf-hunting area as lawsuits are filed, the next hunting season never seems to be officially certain, but officials of Montana plan for one.