Gary Hompland
Question: “I saw Idaho is allowing trapping for wolves. Isn’t this likely to cause population concerns and result in relisting them on the Endangered Species list?”
Answer: The first public wolf trapping season for Idaho as well as any state other than Alaska began Nov. 15 and runs until March 31. Wolf hunting and trapping is an emotionally charged topic. There are many pro- and anti- wolf advocates watching the outcome of this year’s hunting and trapping seasons.
Wolf trapping rules, mandatory trapping education and the Idaho wolf management plan all have safeguards in place to prevent overharvest. Several areas in Idaho have harvest quotas to prevent overharvesting wolves in those areas. Trapping is only allowed in zones or areas with no quotas and all five of those zones are in central and northern Idaho.
A limit of five wolves is allowed during the trapping season. Each harvest, whether by trapping or hunting, must be reported within 72 hours and be physically checked by a Fish and Game employee within 10 days.
A conservative hunting season in 2009 was not effective in controlling population growth and reducing conflicts with livestock in many areas. Trapping was selected as a tool by the Fish and Game Commission, in addition to hunting, to increase the number wolves harvested, control wolf population growth and reduce wolf predation on wildlife and livestock.
Pet owners and recreationists in southern Idaho need not be concerned about their pets encountering wolf traps since public wolf trapping is not allowed south of the Middle Fork Salmon River.
Pet owners and bird hunters, however, should still be vigilant and use appropriate caution as the trapping seasons for beaver and river otter opened on Nov. 1, and the bobcat trapping season opens Dec. 14. Waterfowl hunters may encounter sets for beaver and otter and upland bird hunters and houndsmen may encounter sets for coyotes and bobcats.
If you have further questions, call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 324-4350 or e-mail through the Fish and Game website at fishandgame.Idaho.gov.
Gary Hompland is a regional conservation officer for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.