http://missoulian.com/articles/2007/06/05/bnews/br62.txt

The USFWS is taking comment on the possible change in status for the wolverine. This could mean an end to trapping wolverine in Montana. Please contact USFWS and let them know what potential ramifications such action could cause. Here is a copy of my comment. Thanks to all those that take a little time to help.

Let us in Montana decide what is best for our wildlife. In the wolverine we're talking about an animal residing in some of the least accesible areas in the lower 48. A great deal of this habitat is already protected as wilderness areas and national parks. The numbers of wolverines trapped in Montana are so low, that we're really only talking about saving a handful of animals in an already healthy population. As with many animals, some of the most valuable data we can gain comes from those pursuing them for sport. There is simply not the available capital or people to replace with live traps the contribution Montana trappers make in providing specimins for population research. Several dozen conibears or leg hold traps could be purchased for the cost of maintaining a single live trap. Placing the wolverine in federal status could in fact hinder the ability for all government wildlife agencies to study this animal by taking away specimins gained from Montana trappers as a key tool in wolverine management.