Furthermore, it is in the best interest of the citizens of their respective states for wolf recovery and delisting to proceed as soon as possible. The people of Montana have a significant stake in the future management of wolves and should be provided an opportunity to deliberate issues related to wolf recovery and management. We, the Council, recognize wolves as a species native to Montana. Integrating and sustaining wolf populations in suitable habitats will occur within the complex biological, social, economic, and political landscape of Montana. The State of Montana must ensure human safety, safeguard Montana's livestock industry, maintain viable wildlife populations, and uphold the support of people with diverse public interests.
Wolves do well where prey, primarily deer and elk, are abundant.
Restoration and maintenance of these prey populations is made possible through the financial investments of those participating in regulated public harvest of deer, elk, and other species. Prey populations are also dependent on open space, which in Montana, is often synonymous with large agricultural operations on private lands. It is important to maintain the economic viability of livestock operations that are adversely affected by wolf depredation. In the long run, this ensures habitat availability for both ungulates and wolves. Continued support and investments by those participating in regulated harvest of ungulates will, in time, lead to a regulated harvest of wolves to maintain a balance with prey populations as wolf numbers and distribution increase.