Hunters are Crucial to Monitoring of Wolf Populations

Fall hunting season has begun and sportsmen are reminded to please help monitor wolves by reporting suspected wolf observations. "We want to know where the animal was observed, how many were seen, the location, observer's phone number, and so forth," said Steve Nadeau, wolf program coordinator for Idaho Fish & Game. "If the hunter has a GPS unit and can give us the coordinates, that is really helpful." More information and wolf reporting forms are available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves Reports will be sent to biologists tracking wolves. "The form we have on our web page is really the best way to report sightings," said Nadeau. "It guides you through the questions and then if we see something that we would like to follow up on, we can give the hunter a call." Nadeau reminds sportsmen who are hunting with dogs to take precautions when hunting or walking dogs in wolf country. Wolves are by nature extremely territorial and will guard their territory and recent kills from other canids, including coyotes and domestic dogs. Researchers and managers suggest the following to minimize hound-wolf interactions: ¥ Survey an area for wolf sign prior to releasing dogs; don't turn hounds loose if fresh wolf sign is found or wolves are heard howling nearby ¥ Release hounds only on fresh sign-shorter chases result in less time dogs are away from the safety of people ¥ Walk hounds on leash near but not on older tracks (will reduce the pulling and barking) and have another person follow the track by eyesight until the track gets fresh ¥ Yell or make noise when releasing hounds and going to the tree to announce your presence to wolves that may be in the area ¥ Get to the tree as quickly as possible-barking, unattended dogs may attract wolves ¥ Leash dogs at the tree to prevent them from splitting and pursuing other cats or bears ¥ Some have suggested the use of bells or beeper collars to emit a non-natural sound that indicates the hounds are not wild canids ¥ Avoid releasing dogs at baits or kill sites recently visited by wolves. When looking for bear or lion sign at a bait or carcass, make sure to also look for wolf tracks ¥ Bird hunters working in timbered wolf habitat for forest grouse can reduce chance of conflict by keeping dogs within view, placing a bell or beeping collar on wider ranging dogs, talking loudly to the dog or other hunters, using whistles, and otherwise controlling the dog so that it stays close to the hunter. Wolves nearby would then be able to associate the dog with a human. Place the dog on a leash if wolves or fresh sign are seen. More information on protecting your dog in wolf country is available at your local Fish & Game office or on the web at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/wildlife/wolves.