Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission Approves Record High Wolf Kill Quota
Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission Approves Record High Wolf Kill Quota
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Helena, Montana
HELENA, Mont. The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has voted to approve the highest-ever wolf kill quota in the state for the 2025-2026 season, setting the number at 458 wolves. This is the largest quota the state has ever imposed since the gray wolf lost its Endangered Species Act protections in 2011. The decision comes as the state continues its management efforts on a growing wolf population that some claim threatens livestock and public safety. The commission's approval of the 458-wolf quota marks a dramatic increase over previous years, as the quota was set at 334 wolves for the 2024-2025 season. However, the commission is also introducing new regulations, including allowing hunters and trappers to harvest up to 30 wolves per person15 each for hunting and trapping. These changes, according to the commission, are part of ongoing efforts to manage the wolf population in a way that balances public safety, livestock protection, and ecological health. The quota applies statewide, except for areas near Yellowstone National Park, where more stringent limitations are in place to protect the park's ecosystem. A portion of the harvested wolves will also be counted under 'controlled removals,' which includes actions taken by the USDA Wildlife Services to address wolf threats to livestock. In total, the commission has authorized the removal of up to 558 wolves, a move that has sparked debate among conservationists and wildlife advocates. Groups like WildEarth Guardians have strongly criticized the decision, calling it a scientifically unfounded effort to wipe out the species. Lizzy Pennock, a carnivore coexistence attorney for the organization, labeled the decision as cruel and senseless, arguing that the actions of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission are a threat to the survival of the species. The organization has also indicated it may take legal action to challenge the quota. In contrast, supporters of the quota argue that the increase in wolf numbers is a result of successful conservation efforts over the past decades. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) data, the population of wolves in the state has exceeded 1,000 individuals in recent years, prompting calls for more aggressive management. Another aspect of the decision that has drawn attention is the number of wolves an individual hunter or trapper can harvest. Under the new regulations, one person may legally hunt and trap up to 30 wolves in a season, a number significantly higher than previous limits. This change is seen by critics as a sign of the state's growing aggressiveness toward managing wolves, while proponents argue that the change will allow hunters to help prevent conflicts with ranchers and local communities. The increase in the kill quota has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that it could push the wolf population in Montana to unsustainable levels. Montana Fish & Wildlife and Parks has stated that the new quota is necessary to maintain a healthy and manageable population of wolves, which they say can negatively impact local ecosystems when their numbers grow too large. Despite the heated debate, the commission has defended its decision as part of an ongoing effort to balance wildlife management with community and livestock needs. The commission has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and will review the quotas annually to assess their impact on the wolf population and local communities. As legal challenges loom and the state prepares for another wolf hunting season, the issue of how to manage Montana's wolf population is far from resolved. The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission's approval of this new kill quota has reignited the debate over the future of wolves in the state and their role in the greater ecosystem.