Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission Takes Middle Ground on Wolf Hunting Quotas

Counting wolves: Data debate at the heart of Montana’s policies for killing iconic predator

When the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meets to set limits for hunting and trapping wolves, strong passions often make it the board’s most heated debate of the year.

Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission takes middle ground on wolf hunting quotas

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission this week adopted new wolf hunting and trapping regulations, with a 300-wolf limit for the upcoming season, reflecting the state’s lower population estimate for the species.

Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission Approves Hunting & Trapping Of Up To 300 Wolves

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved regulations allowing up to 300 wolves to be killed through hunting and trapping during the state’s 2026–27 season, despite an updated state population model showing a decline in Montana’s wolf population beginning in 2021. The decision is especially concerning because the Commission approved a quota 50 wolves higher than the 250-wolf limit recommended by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). …