Wolves galore
By BUZZY HASSRICK
Staff writer
State agents in Montana and Idaho could kill wolves that are significantly
impacting big game, under rules proposed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
Other rules would let owners shoot wolves attacking their pets and let
ranchers shoot wolves harassing their livestock. They would apply to
private property.
Current regulations do not include pets and require livestock be under
attack by wolves. Altering those rules represents a loosening of the
restrictions.
“It’s our carrot to reward the states that wrote management plans that we
could approve,” Paul Hoffman said Tuesday from Washington, D.C. “It’ll
also benefit the hard work of those who put up with wolves.”
He is the deputy assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks for the
Department of Interior and former Cody chamber executive director.
Wolves, re-introduced 1995-96 to the Yellowstone area, grew to number 301
in 2003. They are classified an experimental population, managed under 10j
regulations.
For wolves to be removed from Endangered Species Act protection, F&WS must
approve management plans from Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. The first two
passed.
Wyoming could drop the predator part of dual classification, which F&WS
found unacceptable, and still have broad control over wolves by managing
them as trophy game, Hoffman said. The state could set liberal hunting
seasons.
The people of Montana and Idaho will gain a degree of control over life
and property under the proposed changes to the 10j regulations, Hoffman
said.
“And they’ll serve as a demonstration of our commitment to restore control
to the states,” he added.
Montana and Idaho, if they request the authority, would receive federal
funding toward wolf management, Hoffman said. He cited additional examples
of increased flexibility in the rules.
One depredation, not two or more, would trigger a shoot-on-sight permit
for private land, he said. Permittees with federal grazing allotments
would also be eligible for such permits.
Public comments on the proposed rules are due May 8 and should be mailed
to F&WS, Western Gray Wolf Recovery Coordinator, 100 North Park, Number
320, Helena, Mont. 59601, or e-mailed to westerngraywolf@fws.gov.