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by NBC Montana StaffTue, September 1, 2026 at 6:23 AM

Montana commission approves 300-wolf harvest quota for 2026-27 season

Updated Tue, September 1, 2026 at 6:10 PM

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• Montana
• Wolves
• Harvest quota
• Fish and Wildlife Commission
• Hunting season
• Trapping season
• Population model
• Peer review

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved a statewide harvest quota of 300 wolves for the 2026-27 hunting and trapping season, which begins Sept. 5.

The quota is down from 452 last season, when 247 wolves were harvested, but higher than the 250-wolf quota recommended by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

The commission divided the quota among FWP regions, with the largest numbers allocated to northwest and western Montana. Region 1 received a quota of 131 wolves, while Region 2 received 92.

The decision followed nearly four hours of deliberation and public comment. About 120 people commented during the meeting, in addition to more than 2,200 comments submitted online and by mail beforehand.

FWP recommended reducing the quota based on an updated population model that estimates Montana has fewer wolves, smaller packs and larger pack territories than previously estimated. The updated model is undergoing peer review.

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The commission unanimously approved the regulations.