Fish & Game Resumes Wolf Management

Idaho Fish and Game has resumed wolf management. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Thursday, May 5, 1 a delisting rule as directed by Congress. The rule took effect upon publication. Gray wolves in Idaho are now under state management and considered a big game animal. Wolf tags went on sale May 5, at $11.50 for resident hunters and $186 for nonresidents, vendor fees included. Tags are available at license vendors and Fish and Game offices. A valid 2011 Idaho hunting license is required to buy a tag. Seasons and limits have not yet been set. Already, Idaho Fish and Game biologists are updating wolf population and distribution estimates provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Nez Perce Tribe. That information shows an estimated minimum of 705 wolves in Idaho at the end of 2010 in about 87 packs, at least 46 of which were documented as breeding pairs. Fish and Game biologists will present updated information to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission at the May meeting in Lewiston. Fish and Game will develop and present options for a fall wolf hunt to commissioners when they meet in July. Commissioners will set seasons, rules and limits later in the summer. Fish and Game also is evaluating actions to resolve the elk mortality and calf survival problems in Lolo Zone. Federal approval for a proposed wolf control action would not be required following delisting. In 2009, Idaho proved it could conduct an orderly wolf hunt. Hunters killed 188 wolves, achieving 85 percent of the 220 wolf limit set by the commission. Only two citations on wolf hunt violations were issued statewide. For information about wolf management in Idaho go to the Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/.