HELENA – The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the 2026-2027 wolf and furbearer hunting and trapping regulations after nearly four hours of deliberation and public comment focused almost entirely on wolf management.
For the upcoming season, which starts Sept. 5, the commission approved a total harvest quota of 300 wolves, broke down by regions. This is lower than last year’s statewide quota, but higher than the quota of 250 recommended by FWP. Last year’s quota was 452, and 247 wolves were harvested.
The approved quotas are based on an amendment brought by Commissioner Ian Wargo, who represents Region 1 in northwest Montana. The amendment split the quotas down by regions as follows:
Region 1: 131
Region 2: 92
Region 3 (excluding wolf management units (WMU) 313, 316): 33
WMU 313: 1
WMU 316: 1
Region 4: 28
Region 5: 6
Region 6: 4
Region 7: 4
Before the commission began deliberating on the 2026-2027 wolf and furbearer hunting and trapping regulations, it heard a presentation by FWP carnivore coordinator Molly Parks on the updated wolf population model, which was the basis for FWP’s recommended reduction in the wolf quota. This model is an update to the Integrated Patch Occupancy Model (iPOM), which helps biologists estimate wolf distribution and population size across the state. The presentation can be viewed on the recording of the commission meeting; the presentation starts at about hour 5.
“Over the years, wolf monitoring has shifted; so, when you think about a growing and expanding wolf population, think about that small recovery population that’s grown over time,” Parks said. “iPOM was made to evolve and incorporate new information as it becomes available.”
Parks’ presentation covered two versions of the iPOM – iPOM 1.0 and the newly updated version iPOM 2.0. iPOM 1.0, uses the original version of the iPOM framework. IPOM 2.0 uses updated data and revised analytical methods. The data used for iPOM 1.0 was derived from wolf research across the West. Ongoing FWP research on wolf distribution and pack size informed the updated iPOM 2.0 so that it is more specific to Montana. IPOM 2.0 estimates a smaller population of wolves, smaller pack sizes and larger pack territories. The updated model has not been peer-reviewed and refereed for journal publication.
Peer review of iPOM 2.0 is underway and will be important for commissioners in the future. The commission reviews and sets wolf hunting and trapping regulations and quotas every year.
“We come back next year, and we could be in a different position, and I think it warrants being cautious,” said Commissioner Susan Kirby Brooke, who represents southwest Montana.
During the meeting about 120 people provided comments; this was in addition to more than 2,200 public comments received online and by mail before the meeting.
There was no additional commission discussion after the public comment period, and the motion to approve the regulations carried unanimously.
Along with this approval, the following other topics were decided on:
Selection of organizations for FWP auction licenses for the 2027 Season
Antelope: Awarded to the North American Pronghorn Foundation
Bighorn Sheep: Awarded to the Wild Sheep Foundation
Elk: Awarded to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Mountain Goat: Awarded to the Wild Sheep Foundation
Mule Deer: Awarded to the Mule Deer Foundation
Shiras Moose: Awarded to the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association Education Institute
Future Fisheries Improvement Program projects were approved.
Upper Missouri River Citizen Advisory Committee member appointee.
Stimson Timberland Legacy Conservation Easement was approved.
Temporary Construction Closure for the Kohrs Bend fishing access site was approved.
Elk Hunting Access Agreement for the Blacktail Breaks Ranch was approved.
Roosters for Recruitment pheasant releases through 2029 was approved.
Northshore Wildlife Management Area agricultural lease extension was approved.
Correction to Hunting District 202 Archery White-Tailed Season for fall 2026 and 2027 was approved.
