Montana
HB 219: Permitting reimbursements to all individuals for receipts of costs incurred related to the hunting or trapping of wolves for all lawfully harvested wolves. Signed into law by the Governor April 17 2025
HB 259: Revise fish and wildlife commission techniques for gray wolf management. Signed into law by the governor April 17, 2025
HB 554: Remove FWP requirement to regulate wolves as furbearers or game animals. Signed into law by the governor May 5, 2025
This law has paved the way for wolves to become either predators (managed by the Department of AG) or Non-game species (managed by MTFWP), both of which would allow wolves to be killed 24/7/365. A bill to make this happen will likely arise in the 2027 session to make this happen.
Montana Wolf Count Initiative: Exposing the Flaws of IPOM
Objective:
Demand an accurate, on-the-ground wolf population count in Montana to challenge the flawed Integrated Population Occupancy Model (IPOM) used to justify harmful policies.
Why This Matters:
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IPOM was not created for Abundance Estimation; it was created for Distribution Estimation, which is for migratory animals such as elk. Inflated wolf population estimates lead to more killing of an unknown number of wolves.
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An accurate count could prove that Montana has been heavy-handed in their approach to wolf management.
A proven, science-backed methodology specifically designed for wolves exists. By implementing this approach, we force Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MTFWP) to conduct an actual count, providing transparency, accuracy, and accountability.
The Goal:
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Compel MTFWP to complete a verifiable ground count.
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Use data to correct false narratives and reshape future wolf management policies.
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Protect Montana’s native carnivores with truth, not assumptions.