General wolf season opens Sunday in Montana

BILLINGS (AP) — Montana's general wolf season opens Sunday with much looser rules than in past years.

State wildlife officials are seeking to reduce the predators' population in response to public pressure over livestock attacks and declines in some elk herds.

Lower license fees, a five-wolf per person bag limit and a longer season top the list of changes put in place for the 2013-2014 season.

The number of out-of-state hunters buying licenses is up sharply so far this year, with 370 purchased through this week compared to 55 at the same point last year.

Only areas near Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks have limits on how many gray wolves can be killed.

Last season, hunters and trappers in Montana took 225 wolves, leaving a population of 625 at the beginning of 2013.