Idaho continues to try to fit a square peg in a round hole... spending $30,000 to kill 23 wolves from helicopters in the Lolo hunting zone. This is the 6th time in recent years theyve conducted this type of wolf kill action in the Lolo. See article at bottom. Idaho Fish and Game has known for a long time that the problem with the Elk herd in the Lolo Zone is one of changes in habitat. The land simply doesnt support the elk that it once did. Yet, the only solution they continue to employ is killing more predators. They began killing bears and mountain lions there long before wolves came to the area BECAUSE the elk population was already collapsing. BUT, Idaho refuses to give up on the hunter dollars they once made in the Lolo. Here is a quote from an ID Fish and Game press release in 2010 from former IDFG Director, Cal Groen: The Lolo elk herd had glory days after major fires in the early 1900s created phenomenal elk habitat in the (ed: Lolo) Clearwater Region. Elk numbers peaked at 16,000 in the 1980s. But re-growth of brush and forest turned great elk habitat into poor habitat. Following the severe winter of 1996-1997, Lolo elk numbers dropped by nearly half. When the population didnt rebound, Idaho Fish and Game took aggressive steps. We drastically reduced hunter numbers, and ended all (ed: elk) cow harvest. We increased bear and lion hunting opportunities to reduce predation. STILL with this recognition, rather than accepting reality, IDFG dumps more $$ into killing wolves and other carnivores. The press release continued: With the latest Lolo elk numbers, it is clear more aggressive wolf management is needed to restore the herd. State wildlife managers will recommend significant changes to wolf seasons in the Lolo and other elk-depressed zones, consistent with the 2008-2012 Idaho Wolf Management Plan. These management tools could include increased harvest limits, multiple tags, trapping, and asking outfitters to help reduce wolf numbers. Even with fewer wolves, changes in the landscape make it unlikely Lolo elk will return to the all-time highs of the 1980s. But Fish and Game will do what it takes to restore the health of the Lolo herd. For many of us, its more than just professional interest; this herd has personal significance to many Idaho wildlife managers. And finding the right balance for our big game herds and other wildlife is at the heart of Fish and Games mission. ktvb/news/Idaho-Fish-and-Game-pays-30000-to-kill-23-wolves-248577891.html
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:43:45 +0000
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