Montana Wolves: Quota Cut Sparks Debate | Butte News

Montana’s wolf management plan just took a major turn—with a new harvest quota of 300 wolves, down from last year’s proposed 452 (though only 250 were actually taken). After staff initially suggested 250, Commissioner Ian Wargo pushed for a regional trapping and collaring strategy to better track the population. While agency models say wolves remain healthy above management thresholds, public debate raged over counting accuracy. Director Christy Clark admitted wildlife counts are tough—but improving. Stakeholders are split: some want higher harvests, others fear 300 plus other removals could push populations too low. The commission’s final call balances science, data, and public pressure as wolf management continues to evolve. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5c22394e421e0b18