Idaho and Montana both passed controversial laws last year with the goal of sharply reducing their gray wolf populations. The Idaho law gained national attention over reports that the state aimed to eradicate up to 90% of its gray wolves.

If that's the plan, it hasnt worked yet.

The number of gray wolves killed by hunters and trappers fell within the ranges documented for the last few years, according to data released by both states last week. Neither state showed an unusual spike in wolf deaths.

In Montana, hunters and trappers have killed 189 wolves since the 2021-22 wolf-hunting season began about average for this time of year. Idaho documented 300 wolf deaths by the end of December. That figure, which includes natural mortality and wolves killed for livestock predation, is higher than it was at the same time a year prior, but lower than in 2019.

Idahos gray wolf population stood at 1,543 as of Aug. 1, according to a state estimate based on computer analysis of millions of trail camera images about two dozen fewer wolves than at the same time in 2019.

We dont know where its going to end up, Idaho Fish and Game spokesperson Roger Phillips said. Theres still plenty of hunting and trapping season out there. But so far, were not seeing it tracking differently than it has for previous years.

The Idaho legislature caused a major uproar last year by passing a law slashing restrictions on the states already-liberal regulations for hunting and trapping wolves. Hunters and trappers may now legally kill an unlimited number of wolves. They can hunt wolves at night and while using motor vehicles. The law allows the contracting of third parties to target wolves.

Former wildlife officials criticized the legislature for usurping wildlife management from state agencies, while environmentalist and animal rights groups decried the law as an open wolf slaughter and urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to put wolves in the Northern Rockies back under the protection of the Endangered Species Act.

Montana also passed laws targeting wolves last year, though legislators left the states Fish, Wildlife and Parks agency largely in charge of regulating the wolf harvest, eliminating one of the Idaho laws most contentious elements.