Keith Lusher 08.27.25
Montana hunters and trappers will face significantly different wolf hunting regulations this season after the Fish and Wildlife Commission approved sweeping changes following six hours of debate in Helena last week. The biggest change is a statewide quota jumping from 334 to 452 wolves, an increase of 118 animals. This represents the latest effort by state officials to reduce Montana’s robust wolf population of approximately 1,091 animals across 181 packs.
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At the August 21st Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, Commissioner Jeff Burrows presented three amendments that drove much of the discussion. His proposals included eliminating trapping setbacks on closed roads in Mineral County, increasing the statewide wolf hunting quota, and extending hunting season dates in northwestern counties.
The setback elimination removes requirements for trappers to set snares and traps at least 50 feet from roads for furbearers and 150 feet for wolves. Burrows successfully removed similar setbacks in Ravalli County last year without reported incidents involving dogs or people.
It also aims to help trappers work more efficiently during the shortened wolf hunting and trapping season mandated by federal court order. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks expressed concerns about increased risk to hunting dogs and pets, but Burrows cited no reported problems in Ravalli County since those setbacks were removed.
The Commission also extended wolf hunting seasons in eight counties across northwest and west central Montana. The new season would run from June 30 through March 15, giving hunters and trappers access to areas that become difficult to reach during winter months.
Region 3, which includes areas around Yellowstone National Park, received special treatment with a separate 60-wolf quota. Commissioner Susan Brooke argued that her region needed different management due to the economic value of Yellowstone wolves and a 35 percent population decline in recent years.
Under the new statewide approach, hunters and trappers can harvest up to 15 wolves each on single licenses, totaling 30 animals per person if they participate in both activities. At least five wolves must come from hunting and five from trapping in the northern regions.
Private landowners gained additional flexibility with permission to hunt wolves outside daylight hours using artificial light, night vision, infrared, and thermal imaging equipment. Public land hunting remains restricted to daylight hours.
The changes reflect ongoing pressure from the 2021 Legislature, which directed the agency to cut wolf numbers by 40 percent. Despite increased harvest quotas in recent seasons, the wolf population has remained stable, prompting officials to try new approaches.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks estimates the expanded regulations will cost the agency about $43,000 in license revenue due to multiple harvests allowed on single permits.
More than 200 public comments poured in regarding the trapping setback changes, with opponents citing safety concerns for pets and people. Critics of the quota increase called it an “extermination plan,” while supporters argued Montana’s wolf numbers remain well above federal recovery requirements.
The new regulations take effect for the 2025-26 season, with trapping in court-designated areas limited to January 1 through February 15, while other areas allow trapping from December 1 through March 15.
For hunters and trappers looking to fill wolf tags, these changes represent the most significant regulatory shift in years, opening new opportunities across much of western Montana.
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