So, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks just dropped a press release, and it looks like Montana’s wolf tracking system is getting a major software update—and the new numbers might turn some heads.
Here is the breakdown of what is going on:
FWP just released its 2026 Wolf Report, but this time they brought two different calculators to the table.
- The Old Reliable (iPOM): This model says the wolf population is cruising along steadily at about 1,094 wolves.
- The New Upgrade (iPOM 2.0): This new version uses hyper-local Montana data (like specific pack sizes and territory tracking) to get a more precise headcount. The new verdict? 725 wolves.
Because iPOM 2.0 hasn’t officially passed the peer-review finish line yet, FWP is showing both numbers to try to keep things transparent. However, when they ran the new model on past years, it revealed that Montana’s wolf population has actually been on a steady decline since 2021.
The population is still above the bare-minimum safety net of 450 wolves needed to keep the species thriving. However, because numbers are trending down, FWP is being cautious.
They are proposing to slash the upcoming wolf harvest quota nearly in half—dropping it from last year’s target of 450 down to 250. (For context, hunters and trappers took home 247 wolves last season).
Speak Up!
The Fish and Wildlife Commission is meeting on August 19 at 8:00 AM to vote on these new regulations and quotas. If you want to put your two cents in, you have until August 12 to submit public comments. You can show up in person in Helena, hit up a regional office, or log onto Zoom to speak your mind—just make sure to register online ahead of time.
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