Montana officials proposed reducing the annual wolf hunting quota to 250 following new data indicating a smaller state population. Critics worry the lower limit may still result in the loss of one-third of all wolves in the region.

The state is considering a statewide hunting quota of 250 wolves for the upcoming season, a significant drop from last year's limit of 452. This change follows a new report that uses a different modeling system to show fewer packs and a smaller overall population than previously thought. If the new estimate of 725 wolves is accurate, the proposed harvest could remove about one-third of the total population.