Fish and Game Seeks Comments on Wolf Hunting Rules

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking public comments on the proposed 2008 wolf hunting seasons and rules. The proposed seasons and rules are available at all Fish and Game offices and on the Fish and Game Website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/public/. The Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan calls for managing wolves at a population level of between 500-700 wolves for the first five years following delisting. The plan includes hunting as part of the methods of maintaining the population levels. Fish and Game recommendations call for a total mortality quota of 328 wolves in 2008, which includes all reported wolf kills - from natural causes, accidents, wolf predation control actions and hunter kills. Reaching the quota would result in an estimated end-of-year population of 550-600 wolves. When the statewide quota is reached, all hunting would stop. When quotas in individual zones are reached, hunting in those zones would stop. The public review and comment period ends May 16. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission scheduled to set the 2008 wolf hunting rules and seasons during meeting at Jerome Fish and Game office May 21-22. The season and rules brochures should be out to the public in July. Comments on the proposed seasons and rules may be submitted at regional public meetings or to regional offices; they may be submitted at the Fish and Game Website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/public/; or they may be sent by mail to Wolf Hunting Rules, Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707.