Lookout wolves: Wildlife officials say pack is up to five members

[jasnt]

The minimum count part is what you guys are missing.  There is no estimate...in 2012 WDFW staff visually confirmed the presence of 51 unique wolves in Wa State.  That is not an estimate or population size...that is how many their staff personally observed while out doing wolf work.  In 2013 WDFW staff visually confirmed 52 unique wolves in Wa State.WDFW never said or concluded in any way, shape, or form that wolf populations in WA state increased by 1.  They merely reported what their MINIMUM count was.   

Estimate or minimum count. Doesn't matter how you word it IMO. The whole point is wdfw is not doing a good job of verifying wolves, not counting packs till forced to, not admitting to the wolves already here post introduction of the nrm. Which according to the seatletimes one was even collard?   Where is the transparency??? Why are wdfw not putting forth the effort where it's most needed? 

[mfswallace]

This minimum count does make it seem like wdfw is either slow playing the issue or are incompetent... with something this important I would hope they would do all they could to get the count of wolves and especially ungulates correct!!!!

[jasnt]

This minimum count does make it seem like wdfw is either slow playing the issue or are incompetent... with something this important I would hope they would do all they could to get the count of wolves and especially ungulates correct!!!!

absolutely !  This wolf issue is huge with passions very strong on both sides of the issue.  Most everyone has a strong option on wolves and both sides are looking deep in to these issues. You would think wdfw would want to be right on top this issue and focusing on the future of wa game animals ( deer, elk, cougar, bear, and wolves) trying hard to keep most accurate counts possible. If I did the bare minimum at my job I'd be replaced.  Why are they not trying to document these new packs and if they are why don't we know. If $ is really the issue take advantage of your volunteers.  There are plenty of us with the ambition to help. A camera can't lie

[Skyvalhunter]

Yea but you don't work for the state where a bare minimum seems to be the norm.

[jasnt]

The squeaky wheel will get greased. It just may need to squeak louder and louder and louder