hello kg,
Up here in alaska a wolf tag for non-residences is $30 plus you need a hunting license $85. Most people I know come up here hunting some other big game animal that you are more likely to harvest. Then use the remaining days to mess around trying to get a wolf.
Best time is winter and most use snow machines or trap them. It is definetly not easy to find them. I think you would have way better odds to go with a guide, But then the cost would be way too much for a wolf pelt.
just my thoughts though,
montana boy