During those three days, the state biologists also captured and collared four wolves in three packs. Both the state and federal officials acknowledged that was not part of the authorized project. Salmon-Challis National Forest officials later issued an order of non-compliance on the Idaho project, but did not require the removal of the wolf collars.

Salmon-Challis Supervisor Chuck Mark was reviewing the ruling on Thursday and did not have a comment on Thursday, according to spokeswoman Amy Baumer. Idaho Fish and Game officials likewise said they were still reading the ruling.

Preso said the Forest Service knew it faced a legal hurdle after the agency won Winmill’s approval for a 2010 plan using helicopters to radio-collar wolves in the same wilderness area.

“The next helicopter proposal in the Frank Church Wilderness will face a daunting review because it will add to the disruption and intrusion of this collaring project,” Winmill wrote at the time. “Given that this project is allowed to proceed, the next project will be extraordinarily difficult to justify.”