Why It Matters: Wolf management remains a contentious issue, balancing ecological health, livestock protection, and cultural values. Science-based decisions must be made by state commissions, utilizing data and recommendations from the agency biologists to ensure sustainable wolf populations while addressing conflicts with prey species and human interests.
Highlights:
- Idaho’s Department of Fish and Game’s (IDFG) Commission adopted the Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) model to estimate wolf populations, using genetic and age data from harvested wolves to track peak abundance.
- Montana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) Commission is reviewing a proposal to increase the 2025-2026 wolf harvest quota to 500, up from 334, to align with legislative goals of reducing wolf numbers to balance with available prey.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is working with in-state partners and decision makers to ensure that recreational opportunities are maintained while balanced with science-based population management objectives.
During its July meeting, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission received updates from IDFG’s Wildlife Research Manager, Matt Mumma, on wolf population monitoring. Since reintroduction in 1995, Idaho’s population had grown to an estimated 1,235 wolves as of May 2024, prompting the agency to refine their monitoring methods. The new Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) model leverages genetic and age data collected from harvested wolves to estimate peak abundance, replacing less reliable trail camera methods. The agency is working to balance their carnivore numbers with prey availability, targeting a population of around 500 wolves as guided by their 2023-2028 management plan – an effort that has been impacted by a lawsuit challenging wolf trapping in grizzly habitat.
On August 21, 2025, the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) Commission will vote on a proposal to increase the 2025-2026 wolf harvest quote to 500, a 66% rise from last season’s 334. This quota follows a 2021 legislative mandate to reduce wolf numbers to a sustainable level while addressing livestock conflicts and elk population concerns. Trapping regulations in the state were also impacted by a 2024 court ruling, minimizing access to one of the more effective tools for managing the state’s wolf populations. Today, August 4, 2025, is the last day for written comment, public testimony opportunities will be available during the hearing on August 21, 2025 – registration for public testimony is open until noon on August 20, 2025.will be accepted. Registration for all forms of public comment can be found here on the MFWP website.
CSF supports science-based wolf management under the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, advocating for state agency led strategies that sustain healthy wolf populations and promote recreational harvest opportunities, while minimizing conflicts with sportsmen, ranchers, and ungulates.
