Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "How does Fish and Game manage species that conflict with each other, like cutthroat trout and white pelicans or wolves and elk?" Answer: You've hit upon two contentious issues. A law called The Wildlife Policy sets out the state's responsibility for managing all the state's wildlife. In Idaho Code 36-103, The Wildlife Policy states: "All wildlife, including all wild animals, wild birds, and fish, within the state of Idaho, is hereby declared to be property of the state of Idaho. It shall be preserved, protected, perpetuated, and managed. It shall be only captured or taken at such times or places, under such conditions, or by such means, or in such manner, as will preserve, protect, and perpetuate such wildlife, and provide for the citizens of this state and as by law permitted to others, continued supplies of such wildlife for hunting, fishing and trapping." This law puts several wildlife species at odds with Idaho hunters and anglers or at odds with each other. To intentionally ignore one or the other species could be grounds for an accusation against Fish and Game for violating Idaho law. In the case of elk and wolves, Fish and Game is anticipating the opportunity to take over management of wolves. If Fish and Game takes over, wolves would be managed as a big game animal in a manner similar to other predators of elk and deer, such as black bears and mountain lions. Cutthroat trout, the Idaho state fish, have struggled for survival throughout its range. Prized by anglers, they have also been subject to hybridization with rainbow trout. State fisheries managers have taken steps to protect and rebuild remaining native populations of cutthroat trout. The white pelican is a sensitive species with federal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They are a unique colonial nesting species that travels great distances to capture fish and return to their nesting colony. Unfortunately pelicans have found fishing for cutthroat trout to their liking in many southern Idaho reservoirs where they are being stocked in an effort to rebuild native populations. On one hand, anglers and fisheries biologists want fewer white pelicans because of their impact on native cutthroat trout populations. On the other hand, birders and some wildlife biologists favor habitat improvements and protections for the white pelicans due to their aesthetic values. This is quite a conundrum, and the Idaho Fish and Game Commission will be grappling with this issue in the near future with a management plan for both species. Idaho hunters and anglers feel close to Idaho's natural resources and will always have their "favored species." These Idahoans are the backbone of our support for the "best wildlife management possible." We in Fish and Game will always be indebted to them for their support, even on contentious issues such as described above. This will not be the last time several wildlife species or wildlife user groups will be in conflict based on their preferences for one species over another. The important thing to remember is Idaho law treats them all the same does not allow Fish and Game that luxury. If you have further questions you may call the Magic Valley regional office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or visit us at the Fish and Game Web site at http://fishandgame.Idaho.gov.