WDFW to cull hoof rot injured elk?

[kentrek]

I think that we can all agree that we don't like wolves and we don't want them in WA. 

But as previously stated, they are here to stay whether we like it or not due to federal laws.  The only LEGAL methods of removal other than the WA Wolf Management Plan would be repeated documented livestock depredation, which I don't see happening. 

dont play god to solve mans issues with red tape

Kentrek,  Isn't the WDFW doing the same thing by shooting hoof rot animals?

yes..that statement sounds radical but don't take it that way,i think with human populations WDFW has to "play god" to a certain point but.. moving an invasive species into the sw corner just to bypass some redtape seems to cross the line in my eyes

just my 

[Mudman]

Are they supposed to introduce wolves on the wetside also? If so then where is a more compatible place than there?  If its a natural process then wolves have been rumored to been seen very close.  I really believe this is how hoof rot will be dealt with.  The elk numbers are already down and Weyco still screams too many elk.  For WDFW this really is the perfect answer.  But after elk are culled and wolf pop. is high then what?

[bobcat]

"They" (the WDFW) did not introduce wolves in eastern Washington, and they won't over here either. (IMO)

[Bob33]

Wolves are not the answer, and culling is a temporary solution only. What is needed first are scientifically valid conclusions as the cause of hoof rot. Start the hate mail replies, but I believe that information will be available in the relatively near future.

[kentrek]

  But after elk are culled and wolf pop. is high then what?

then i no longer hunt in WA

im a customer of the state,if they dont have better options than their competitors (montana,wyoming) i will move on

its their choice   

[Mudman]

"They" (the WDFW) did not introduce wolves in eastern Washington, and they won't over here either. (IMO)

Ya, maybe.  Not public.    But??  Wolves would solve the problem right?  Dont ya wonder whats up? Many believe they are already there?  Im not sure yet.  The wolf plan doesnt it want packs over here too?  If so then delisting would come and east Wa wolf hunt could take place.

[Curly]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_wolf/

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_wolf/packs/packs_map_20121004.pdf

If you look at the wolf map on the link above, it shows the Southern Cascades and Northwest Coast region as one of the areas where they want wolves before delisting (if I remember correctly).  So, wolves aren't necessarily needed in W WA before delisting (because that region extends over into E WA).

That is how I understand it anyway.  Feel free to correct me.

[bobcat]

That's what I like most about the WDFW wolf plan!

Just keep them on the east side of the mountains, we don't need any stinkin' wolves over here.

[Dbax129]

When I took hunter safety last year, our instructor told a few of us about a conversation he had with a couple of the folks that worked on wdfw wolf plan. Acoording to him they weren't excited about reintroducing either, but if they didn't come up with a state plan that was satisfactory, then there was a federal program that would have been forced on us. They said this federal program was 5 times worse, and that it included higher numbers of breeding pairs with territories covering most of the habitable area in the state. He also said there is an antelope reintroduction plan that is being enhanced and unofficially is an effort to keep more meat in the hills for hunters and wolves alike.
Kindof strange how everything I hear about wolves in wa makes the subject sound like an elaborate conspiracy...

[skywalker253]

  But after elk are culled and wolf pop. is high then what?

then i no longer hunt in WA

im a customer of the state,if they dont have better options than their competitors (montana,wyoming) i will move on

its their choice   

Unfortunately the game department does not view you as a customer of Wa. Hunting in Wa is viewed as a priviledge, not a right, not a population of customers, etc. I understand your point. Montana and Wyoming may have better options for hunting, but that is because they have a substantially bigger herd sizes and a number of different game species to provide.

Back to the hoof rott issue- I am curious to hear when the first documented case was discovered? I would also like to know what changes in fertilizers, pesticides, etc. the tree companies have made over the years. It would be interesting to see if a new chemical was entered into the habitat and if there is a coralation between it being introduced and the birth of hoof rott. I don't ever remember hearing of elk having hoof rott in the 80's or 90's. Fill me in....

[kentrek]

Back to the hoof rott issue- I am curious to hear when the first documented case was discovered?

my dad shot a bull in the late 90's that had it..it was in the stella

il get the exact date tommarow tho

[Curly]

When was it that clearcuts stopped being burned?  Hmmmmmmm..........just a coincidence that hoof rot has gotten worse after burning the cuts has stopped? 

[IBspoiled]

I agree that there may be a link between herbicides/pesticides that Weyerhauser uses and the hoof rot, although I don't think it is a direct cause.  It may put a kink in their immune system that then doesn't allow their body to fight the virus/bacteria that causes the rot.  Although I have read that it is a virus/bacteria that lives in the ground and does well in wet/moist conditions.  If that is true then culling elk with hoof rot is not going to solve anything.  I know we have 3 goats and this time of year they all get hoof rot.  I trimmed their feet just last night and put thrushbuster on them to try and kill the bacteria.  But I'm sure that doesn't do much as you turn them right back out and they of course step in more mud.  It is part of living on the wetside of WA.  Just my 
Wife

[AKBowman]

  But after elk are culled and wolf pop. is high then what?

then i no longer hunt in WA

im a customer of the state,if they dont have better options than their competitors (montana,wyoming) i will move on

its their choice   

I think I have one more year of elk hunting in WA then I will spend my money on a tag in OR. The WDFW just does not have a solid plan for managent, seasons, permits etc, etc. I'm tired of feeding them my money.

Until hunter start standing up and boycotting WDFW by choosing not to purchase a tag that is worth less and less every year but is costing more and more every year than nothing will change. One more yr for me than I am done, I will hunt elk in OR and deer in ID.

[Mudman]

Nope, sorry, you are wrong.  They get plenty of money.  Discover pass tags etc.  They (state gen. fund) choose to spend it somewhere else.  If all money went to where it was collected they would drown in that dang money.....