Montana has just approved the killing of up to 300 wolves during the 2026–2027 hunting and trapping season—a quota equivalent to more than 41% of the population estimated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ updated wolf model.

FWP’s updated iPOM 2.0 model estimates approximately 725 wolves statewide, compared with 1,094 wolves under the original model. Critically, FWP acknowledges that the updated model has not yet completed scientific peer review and that uncertainty remains around the state’s wolf population estimate.

Despite this uncertainty, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a 300-wolf quota—50 wolves higher than the 250 recommended by FWP staff.

And 300 does not represent all potential human-caused mortality. Additional wolves may be killed through livestock-conflict removals, Wildlife Services actions, defense-of-property removals, and other authorized lethal control.

This is not precautionary wildlife management.

When population estimates differ this dramatically and the updated methodology is still being evaluated, responsible wildlife management should reduce risk—not authorize extraordinary levels of mortality.

Wolves are highly social animals living in complex family groups. Killing can have consequences beyond individual animals by disrupting pack structure, reproduction, and pup survival. Wolves are also ecologically important and hold profound cultural significance for many Tribal Nations.

We urge the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to reverse course and suspend implementation of the 2026–2027 wolf hunting and trapping season.

Montana just authorized a hunting and trapping quota equivalent to more than 4 out of every 10 wolves estimated by its updated model. When the science is uncertain, precaution should come first.

Please take action today and urge Montana officials to protect wolves and ensure management decisions are guided by rigorous science, precaution, and coexistence.