Idaho Requests Wolf Hunt in Clearwater Region
Jess Edberg, Information and Program Specialist — International Wolf Center, 02/13/2006
In a controversial proposal, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) to allow state wolf managers to kill up to 43 wolves in the Lolo elk management zone. Under federal rules, state or tribal officials may kill wolves if wolf predation is having an unacceptable impact on wild ungulate populations such as deer, elk and moose.
The Lolo zone is an area of more than 1.5 million acres within the Clearwater Region of north-central Idaho, south of the Lochsa River and U.S. Highway 12. Historically and presently, wildlife managers aim to maintain an elk population of 6,100 to 9,100 cows and 1,300 to 1,900 bulls. Currently, the elk population in this zone numbers 5,189 cows and 1,327 bulls.
According to IDFG, the Lolo elk population has been declining for some time due to a combination of three factors: habitat loss, black bear and mountain lion predation on elk calves and wolf predation on elk cows. Using computer simulations, the IDFG estimated that removing wolves would help boost cow elk numbers. The hunt could reduce the population of 47 to 69 wolves in the Lolo elk management zone by up to 75 percent.
The IDFG believes that the wolf hunt should lead to higher elk reproduction and survival. Other elk improvement measures include increased black bear and mountain lion hunting and habitat improvement initiatives that will create a more appropriate mix of forest vegetation stages for elk. A decade of previous management efforts to increase elk survival have proven unsuccessful.
Currently, Idaho has released a draft proposal and invited public comment via their Web site. Comments will be taken through midnight February 17, 2006.
This action comes amid other lethal wolf-control proposals around the world. The state of Alaska and the government of Sweden are also considering wolf-hunting proposals.
Idahos plan, if approved, would allow state hunters to initiate a five-year wolf hunt to kill up to 43 wolves in the first year. No public hunting would be allowed. Biologists and managers would maintain a wolf population of 15 to 23 wolves in the Lolo zone for five years and assess the plan after this period. Throughout the duration of the plan, managers would closely monitor wolf and elk numbers.
The proposed hunt in the Lolo zone is not expected to affect overall Idaho wolf recovery efforts. The removal of 43 wolves would represent approximately 8.5 percent of the total Idaho wolf population of more than 500. With sufficient prey available and tolerance from humans, wolf reproduction can increase a population 28 to 47 percent in a year.
Those interested in reviewing the proposal and submitting comments can visit the IDFGs Web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. All comments must be received no later than midnight February 17, 2006.
For further details about Idaho wolf populations and legal processes associated with this proposal, visit Idaho Department of Fish and Game.