by Marc Cooke, Wolves of the Rockies, Stevensville
Montana’s proposed 2026–2027 wolf season presents an opportunity to chart a course rooted in caution, transparency, and science. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MTFWP) deserves credit for reducing the proposed statewide wolf harvest quota from 500 wolves to 250. At the same time, the agency is asking the public to place its confidence in a new population model—iPOM 2.0—that substantially changes our understanding of Montana’s wolf population. Before moving forward with another significant harvest, Montanans deserve an explanation of what this new science means and how it should influence management decisions.
For years, Montana relied on the peer-reviewed iPOM model, which estimated approximately 1,091 wolves statewide. Under iPOM 2.0, that estimate drops to about 725 wolves. Some independent observers and wildlife advocates believe the population could be even lower—perhaps as low as 600 wolves. Whether that proves accurate remains to be seen, but a change of this magnitude should give everyone reason to proceed carefully. MTFWP has acknowledged that iPOM 2.0 has not yet completed independent peer review. That does not mean the model is incorrect, but it does mean management should proceed cautiously while confidence in the model is established.
Yellowstone’s wolves add another reason for restraint. Canine distemper claimed many pups this year, leaving the park with fewer than 70 wolves—one of its lowest populations since reintroduction. Wolves that disperse beyond the park support healthy ecosystems and contribute significantly to gateway communities through wildlife tourism, benefiting guides, hotels, restaurants, photographers, and local businesses. Given Yellowstone’s current challenges, the Commission should reduce the proposed quotas in Wolf Management Units 313 and 316 from three wolves each to one wolf each until the population shows stronger recovery.
Another proposal deserving careful review is the removal of trapping setbacks in Region 1. These setbacks help reduce conflicts involving pets, non-target wildlife, and outdoor recreationists. Retaining them protects public safety while maintaining a reasonable balance between trapping opportunities and other public uses of Montana’s landscapes.
Montana’s wildlife belongs to all Montanans. Wildlife management works best when it is transparent, science-based, and reflects the interests of all stakeholders rather than excessive political pressure from any one group.
The path forward is straightforward: complete the peer review of iPOM 2.0, clearly explain the model and its assumptions to the public, reduce the quotas in Wolf Management Units 313 and 316 to one wolf each, retain the Region 1 trapping setbacks, and allow science—not politics—to guide management decisions.
Montana has long been respected for its wildlife conservation. That reputation will be strengthened not by acting quickly, but by demonstrating the patience and transparency needed when new science raises important questions. When uncertainty increases, responsible wildlife management calls for greater caution—not greater risk.
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