Montana Commission Drafted Predator Policy

Wildlife managers are developing a formal predator management framework following a commission vote.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Hunting

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stylized mountain ridgeline in deep red and cream, representing institutional wildlife management policy. — The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously voted to task staff with drafting a comprehensive predator management policy for the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local wildlife officials prioritize set biological frameworks over public petitions when creating management policies?

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to direct agency staff to draft a new predator management policy. This move aims to establish an intentional framework for future decision-making across the state.

Why it matters

The commission seeks to shift away from uniform or arbitrary predator management decisions. This new policy framework is designed to provide a consistent approach to wildlife population control.

The commission received over 1,000 public comments, including 600 regarding trap checks and 300 concerning bear spray requirements. These figures represent total public feedback logged during the five-hour meeting process.

The players

Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission

This body oversees wildlife management policies and regulatory decisions within the state of Montana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

This is the state agency responsible for the stewardship of Montana's fish, wildlife, and park resources.

The details

The commission also rejected two citizen petitions, one requesting a mandatory 24-hour trap check on public land and another requiring hunters and guides to carry bear spray in grizzly habitat. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will now draft the policy for future commission review and public comment.

In August 2026, the commission set the wolf harvest quota at 300.
On September 24, 2026, the commission voted on the policy and petitions.

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Culture Shift

The move reflects a broader transition toward formalizing wildlife governance as recreational hunting and predator populations increasingly intersect. This decision signals a rejection of piecemeal petition-based rules in favor of long-term state-wide management strategies.

Residents and hunters in Montana should prepare for upcoming public comment periods regarding how predators will be managed across the state. These policy changes may eventually alter local hunting regulations and requirements for those operating in wilderness areas.

The takeaway

Wildlife management policy is moving toward a more structured and intentional framework rather than relying on individual petitions. Stakeholders should remain engaged as the state drafts these new rules that will dictate future management strategies.