Changes to be discussed during August commission meeting
Montana wolf populations are above the state’s wolf management recovery thresholds. In fact, according to its 2024 annual wolf report, the estimated population of 1,091 wolves, comprised of 181 wolf packs, is only a dozen fewer than 2023’s estimates, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). Because the population is so robust, despite an increase in the number of hunter and trapper harvested wolves, FWP is proposing changes to the wolf trapping and hunting regulations to decrease the number of wolves – a move required by law, according to a news release.
“We’ve tried different regulations over the past two years in an effort to increase harvest and realize a decline in wolf numbers, but those changes have only had success in certain areas of the state, most notably southwest Montana,” said Quentin Kujala, FWP Chief of Conservation Policy. “The changes we’re proposing this year are targeted at trying to increase harvest in west and northwest Montana.”
Here’s what FWP is proposing:
While this will help with wolf numbers, it will also be a revenue loss of about $43,000 to FWP due to multiple harvests allowed on a single hunting license.
Public comments will be accepted until Aug. 4. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet on Aug. 21 to discuss the proposed changes.
Hunters and trappers can harvest 15 wolves on a single hunting and trapping license (30 wolves total), provided that at least five of those wolves are harvested via hunting and at least five of those wolves are harvested via trapping in FWP Regions 1 or 2.
Trapping within the geographic area identified by a federal court will be limited to Jan. 1 to Feb. 15. The geographic area is all FWP Regions 1, 2 and 3, and portions of Regions 4 and 5. This area, with limited trapping dates, is the same as last year.
Outside this geographic area, wolf trapping will open Dec. 1 and go through March 15, 2026.
A statewide quota of 500, which includes a quota of three wolves in Wolf Management Units (WMU) 313 and a quota of three wolves in WMU 316.
On private lands wolf hunting will be allowed outside of daylight hours and hunters can use artificial light, night vision, infrared and thermal imaging scopes.
Hunting outside of daylight hours on public lands is prohibited.
