MT FWP has proposed to lower the wolf quota in the state due to a couple factors. First is because the new population estimation tool has changed a little bit. iPOM (Integrated Patch Occupancy Model) has been the status quo for many years which has the state population at 1094 wolves as of 2026. The new 2.0 version of iPOM has the state population pinned around 725 wolves. Same model, two different versions and with a ~375 population estimation difference.
The Montana Wolf Management Plan outlines 450 wolves as the minimum number necessary to ensure there are 15 breeding pairs in the state. According to the new iPOM 2.0 model, these are minimum numbers and not a management objective for FWP. The Montana Wolf Management Plan outlines 450 wolves as the minimum number necessary to ensure there are 15 breeding pairs in the state. These are minimum numbers and not a management objective for FWP. According to the model, it is claiming the wolf population has been declining since 2021. FWP is recommending a reduction to the 2026/2027 wolf harvest quota to 250. This is down from a quota of 450 last year. However, last year 247 wolves were harvested, so it won’t appear that it will affect the overall harvest on an average year like 2025 was.
This topic will be voted on during the August 19th commission meeting but public comment can be made on the FWP website until August 12th HERE.
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