HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Federal agents no longer would need state permission to remove problem wolves under a new draft proposal released by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Under the draft revisions to Montana’s Wolf Depredation Response Protocol released Tuesday, Wildlife Services agents — a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture — would be authorized to identify, target and remove wolves that are confirmed to have killed livestock. But if the confirmed depredation is in an area where wolves haven’t been previously radio collared and it can’t be determined which wolves were involved, Wildlife Services would be required to collar and release at least one wolf, which would allow biologists to track its movements.
Currently, private citizens can shoot wolves that are seen attacking, killing or threatening livestock, people or dogs. But unless they see a wolf on a carcass, livestock producers have to call Wildlife Services to investigate when they suspect a wolf killed their livestock. Since FWP has the primary responsibility to conserve and manage the wolf population, Wildlife Services needs the approval of FWP before removing a single wolf or a pack.
“It’s a liberalization of our current policy in that it would be Wildlife Service’s call,” said Dave Risley, FWP fish and wildlife division administrator. “We are relying a lot on Wildlife Services and their expertise to say which wolves are the habitual offenders.”
Under the proposed protocol, Wildlife Services will inform FWP after they’ve killed one or more wolves.
“What we are trying to do is recognize that wolves are fully recovered and that we can be a little more liberal in our depredation response,” Risley said. “We also want to establish
consistency across the state; we want people to know we don’t have regional policies, but one statewide policy.”
If approved, the protocol will be assessed within a year to determine its overall effectiveness relative to livestock losses, agency response times and related costs, and the wolf population.
Officials with Wildlife Services weren’t able to be reached for comment.
But Jay Bodner with the Montana Stockgrowers Association said that after briefly reviewing the FWP document, his organization is pleased with the proposed protocol.
“We think it’s a move in the right direction,” Bodner said.
While FWP already allows Wildlife Services to shoot wolves from helicopters, Bodner was pleased to see aerial gunning as part of the proposed protocol, saying that’s one of the most efficient means of killing wolves.
“This allows more flexibility for Wildlife Services,” Bodner said.
Others aren’t as pleased with the proposed protocol.
Jefferson County Commissioner Leonard Wortman said the protocols don’t go far enough, and he’s concerned that they’re being asked to comment on the proposal rather than having a seat at the table while the draft was being prepared.
And while the news release on the proposed protocol says it puts FWP in compliance with a law passed by the Montana Legislature in 2011, Wortman doesn’t agree. He said the law says FWP should manage large predators for the safety of humans, livestock and pets; to preserve and enhance public safety when working and playing outdoors and to preserve hunting opportunities.
“It doesn’t address any of those except to reduce impacts to livestock,” Wortman said. “I don’t think reducing impacts is the same as protecting livestock and the opportunity to hunt.”
Risley said those are being addressed in other ways.
“These are completely different issues,” Risley said. “This is a livestock depredation response that has nothing to do with elk herd numbers or overall public safety.”
Mike Leahy with Defenders of Wildlife said they’re also not in favor of the proposal because they think it gives Wildlife Services too much control. He said the federal agency, which also is tasked with handling coyotes, mountain lions and other predators in connection with livestock depredation, already is known for being aggressive.
“We have seen them misidentify livestock deaths as wolf kills, as well as kill nonproblem wolves. Montana will have to pay for any losses,” Leahy said. “These actions are not appropriate for the state of Montana, which has a commitment to wolf management.
“. I would like to see them focus more on preventing livestock losses rather than give Wildlife Services a blank check to kill wolves.”
While comments are specifically being sought from county commissioners and tribal officials, Risley said they’ll also be accepted from the public. The document is available online at — follow the links to the “Draft revisions to Montana’s Wolf Depredation Response Protocol” about half way down the page.
Comments will be accepted through Sept. 21.
The minimum Montana wolf population estimates at the end of 2011 include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs.
The minimum wolf count is the number of wolves actually counted by FWP wolf specialists, and likely is 10 to 30 percent fewer than the actual wolf population.