The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to approve legislation that would remove gray wolves from the federal endangered species list nationwide, shifting management authority away from federal oversight.
American influencer and Montana resident Samantha Strable, also known as Sam Jones, faces backlash after taking a baby wombat from its mother in Australia, leading to public outrage and condemnation from officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. She has since returned to the U.S. and is now facing multiple charges in Wyoming for allegedly making false claims to obtain hunting licenses, which could result in significant fines and jail time.
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved significant reductions to nonresident deer licenses and tightened harvest limits in an effort to relieve hunting pressure on public land and help mule deer populations recover. Commissioners cited overwhelming public concern about overcrowding and declining deer numbers, while acknowledging the financial and economic impacts of the changes. Additional limits on antlerless tags were also adopted to further support mule deer conservation.
Conservation groups have filed a lawsuit challenging Montana’s wolf hunting and trapping season after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that gray wolves do not require federal protections. In a recent court hearing, arguments were presented regarding the potential impact of the state’s quota allowing the killing of up to 458 wolves, with concerns raised about the sustainability of the wolf population and the scientific validity of the state’s population estimation methods. The judge has yet to rule on a request for a temporary halt to the hunting season while the broader legal challenge continues.
The Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has proposed changes to hunting regulations for the upcoming big game rifle seasons, inviting public feedback until November 23. Key proposals include increasing cow elk licenses in Hunting District 313 to address an overpopulation, prohibiting cow elk B tag hunting in several districts due to overcrowding complaints, and adjusting hunting strategies in districts 380 and 391 to enhance access and management of elk populations. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will make final decisions on these proposals during their meeting on December 4.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials are warning hunters about the legal and health consequences of improper carcass disposal, which can lead to littering charges and the spread of diseases like chronic wasting disease. Hunters are advised to bag animal remains and dispose of them with household garbage to avoid creating nuisances in public areas.
As bear activity increases in Southwest Montana during hunting season, hunters are experiencing more encounters with both black and grizzly bears. Recent incidents involved two hunters who faced charging bears but successfully deterred them with gunfire, highlighting the need for caution. Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has also closed Bear Creek Trail due to a dead horse found on the trail, emphasizing the importance of staying bear aware and following safety precautions while hunting.
The general hunting season in Montana began on October 25, 2025, with strong participation and increased harvest numbers compared to the previous year, despite mixed weather conditions. Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 reported hundreds more hunters at check stations, leading to a notable rise in elk and deer harvests. Notably, the Darby check station recorded the highest number of hunters in the state, and overall success rates exceeded the 10-year average, highlighting a successful start to the season.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking public input on proposed changes to hunting regulations for deer, elk, and black bear for the 2026-2027 seasons, with a final decision to be made by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on December 4. FWP is hosting a series of public meetings across the state, allowing hunters and the public to provide feedback and ask questions, with options for virtual participation available. More information can be found on the FWP website.
Montana’s general deer and elk hunting season opened with nearly 2,000 hunters reporting increased success rates compared to last year, particularly in white-tailed deer and elk harvests, while mule deer numbers declined. The season runs through November 30, and hunters are encouraged to test their harvested animals for chronic wasting disease (CWD), with mandatory testing in certain areas. Additionally, hunters must adhere to carcass disposal regulations to prevent disease spread and are reminded to be cautious of bears attracted to carcasses during this time.