Deficient data means Montana FWP should stop wolf hunting

By: Connie Poten, Anja Heister

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: August 6, 2026

Words: 608

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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How many wolves are left in Montana?

Nobody knows.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks admitted that its iPOM counting method over-estimated wolf numbers for years. Instead of 1,094 wolves, FWP’s revised iPOM 2.0 method now estimates that Montana’s population is 725 wolves—34% less.

Longtime wolf researchers say the population is closer to 400 wolves.

Either way, the tipping point has been breached; wolves are in perilous decline. The average pack has …

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