Why does the State continue to tout elk populations when the Central Idaho herds have practically been eradicated? Why are so many tags issued for regions where elk populations are one bad winter from complete extinction?

I've hunted near Yellow Pine for the last 7 years purchasing tags for elk in 25 and 20A. In the last three years, I have seen a dramatic decline in elk populations to the point where one could say, the herds that inhabited the area are, 10-20% of what was an already depleted population. This is not representative of healthy ecosystem and is not the goal of wildlife agencies. You are tasked with management of populations throughout the state and within specific regions. Just because populations are booming near livestock and ag fields, does not mean all is well with elk herds in Idaho. My questions are many. Why does the State continue to tout elk populations when the Central Idaho herds have practically been eradicated? Why are so many tags issued for regions where elk populations are one bad winter from complete extinction? Do you think regions should be made smaller to more effectively management populations? Lastly, why did you allow wolves to diminish populations to the point that they are 10% of what they were prior to wolf reintroduction, despite having overwhelming support to cull these packs that are at least 1400% above required ESA objectives?

I'm doing my best to be respectful in this email but I am beyond frustrated with IDFG. Your lack of candor with the public and blatant inaction to address the issues facing these elk herds is infuriating. I spent years in the mountains learning these animals the places they inhabit. Everyone in the area (guides, residents and sportsman) were aware of the dramatic expansion of wolf packs and the direct correlation in elk herd depletion. It has now come to a point where I can't justify buying a tag to hunt this country I've grown to love and I won't be returning. Even the wolves have moved out of the area due to there being no elk. I think all Idahoans and sportsman who don't want to hunt state land off an ag field deserve and explanation as to why an agency tasked with management of wildlife populations, failed to act and more importantly, what you are going to do to recover these populations and prevent this from happening in the future?

I do appreciate you fielding my concerns. My continued support of this Agency will highly depend on your responses and the changes that you make going forward to address, what is a clear dereliction of duty by the Agency or the biologist monitoring the area.