Fish and Game Releases Draft Wolf Management Plan For Public Comment

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has developed a draft wolf population management plan that includes provisions for hunting wolves - in anticipation of wolves in Idaho being removed from the endangered species list. Fish and Game is seeking public review and comments on the draft Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan, which would guide post-delisting wolf monitoring, management. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1 a proposed delisting rule February 8, 2007, for wolves within the Northern Rocky Mountains. A final rule may be issued as early as next February 2008. The plan was developed with the help of a working group that included representatives from the Idaho Sportsman's Caucus Advisory Council, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife-Idaho, Idaho Conservation League, Defenders of Wildlife, Idaho Cattle Association, Idaho Woolgrowers Association, and Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association. Fish and Game also sent out a survey to 1,000 hunters, 1,000 members of the general public, and 1,000 members of the livestock industry. The general public will have several opportunities to review and comment on the draft plan during the public comment period from November 19 through December 31. Public meetings are planned throughout the state, with at least one in each of the seven Fish and Game administrative regions during November and December. The draft plan also is available for public comment on the Fish and Game Website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/public/, at any Fish and Game office, or by calling 208-334-3700. Written comments may be submitted by December 31 online or by mail to Idaho Fish and Game, Wolf Plan Comments, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707, attention Wolf Plan Comments.