DRAFT liKS AfPKNOIX 1 



Table 4. Direction and guidelines for compensation of livestock losses due to wolf depredation in Montana. The 

 adaptive management model calls for selection of different management strategies as the number of 

 wolf packs changes from less than 15 to 15 or greater. The different management settings (Public 

 Lands and Mixed Land Ownerships) call for different .strategics, depending on landownership patterns, 

 social factors, land use patterns, biological constraints, and the physical attributes of the environment. 

 Some management strategies may apply across all numbers of wolf packs or management settings, as 

 indicated by the right lUTOws. 



* Montana shares a legal requirement with the states of Idaho and Wyoming to maintain a minimum total of 30 

 breeding pairs in the region. Since not all packs successfully breed and have pups every year, Montana will 

 maintain at least 14-17 packs statewide to insure achievement of a minimum number of 10 breeding pairs with at 

 least two pups on December 3 1 . 



The budget truly reflects the comprehensive nature of designing and implementing a wolf management program that 

 addresses wolf-livestock conflicts. While this budget represents our best projection of the resources required, we 

 cannot assess its accuracy until MFWP actually assumes management authority and begins implementation . Some 

 components of the wolf program may not be captured fully by this draft budget. There may also be costs that could 

 not be predicted at this time or were unforeseen. This budget will be refined in the future as MFWP gains more 

 experience. It may also be refined to reflect changes in costs associated with depredation management by WS. This 



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