The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) says wolf numbers are down from earlier counts but maintains the overall population is well above minimum recovery levels.

The 2026 Wolf Report contains two population estimates as FWP moves toward an updated version of the wolf population estimation tool Integrated Patch Occupancy Model (iPOM). The new version, iPOM 2.0, is yet to be published in a peer reviewed scientific journal, like iPOM.

“We’re confident in iPOM 2.0 and see it as an advancement in science and modeling,” said Quentin Kujala, FWP chief of conservation policy. “However, it hasn’t been through the same peer-review process as the original iPOM. Until that happens, we want the commission and the public to see estimates from both models.”

Under iPOM, the wolf population is estimated to be relatively stable at 1,094 wolves. With iPOM 2.0, the population estimate is lower at 725 wolves.

By using iPOM 2.0 to analyze wolf population estimates from past years, it shows a steady decline in wolf numbers from 2021. As a result, FWP is recommending a reduction to the 2026/2027 wolf harvest quota to 250. This is down from a quota of 450 last year. In 2025, 247 wolves were harvested.  

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.

At its scheduled Aug. 19 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, the commission will consider the wolf and furbearer trapping regulation proposal from FWP. Included in that proposal is the annual wolf harvest quota. The public can comment on the proposal through Aug. 12.

About Hunt 2 Conserve

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.