What’s more, Yellowstone wildlife like wolves — an animal more visible in the park than anywhere in the lower 48 states — is much more valuable to Montana’s economy when it’s alive for paying tourists to see — a wildlife economy he said has been estimated at $35.5 million annually.

Opponents, which included conservation and livestock groups, argued that such wildlife management decisions should be left in the hands of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, not the Legislature.

“We do not support putting special seasons into state statute,” said Nick Gevock of the Montana Wildlife Federation. “We have to look at healthy populations and not individual animals.”

Jay Bodner, of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, said approval of the bill would effectively expand the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, said most of his constituents didn’t want wolves reintroduced to the park 24 years ago and still don’t want them on the landscape.

“Yellowstone National Park is a very good wolf sanctuary, but every sanctuary has to have boundaries,” said Matt Gravely of the Rocky Mountain Stock Growers.