more caribou lawsuits...

[pianoman9701]

I don't see how it can be blamed on the wolf plan. The wolves, yes. But a written document? The wolves will eat the caribou no matter what the wolf plan says.

Because the plan is outrageous in its limits, we're unable to manage them, regardless of their affect on any ungulate, including the woodland caribou. The dispersion requirements may take years to achieve and once those are met, another three years waiting period. This is all in addition to the onerous 15 breeding pair/pack minimum statewide, which is so large as to boggle the mind, especially when the plans of other, larger and more rural states are considered. It's not just the wolves, but the width and breadth of the wolf plan which will kill the woodland caribou. We should rightfully be hunting them now and there'd be a chance of protecting the woodland caribou if we were able. Unfortunately, they are doomed by the parameters of the plan.

[bobcat]

Even with a year around hunting season on wolves do you think people would kill enough to make a difference with that caribou herd? I don't.

[pianoman9701]

Even with a year around hunting season on wolves do you think people would kill enough to make a difference with that caribou herd? I don't.

We'd at least have the ability and the WDFW would be able to manage them, as well. Presently, they have no authority to kill wolves who aren't presenting a threat to humans or livestock. The wolves could kill every one of the caribou tomorrow and there's nothing the WDFW would be able (or want) to do about it. This is the same helpless feeling of the ranchers in the NE corner. They should be able to shoot every wolf they see on sight to discourage them from being too bold around man. They'd never come close to threatening that population, but it would definitely give the wolves something to think about.

[buglebrush]

These caribou spend 95% of their time in Canada.  I know one of the guys who fly and tracks them.  It is most definitely not about the caribou.

[idahohuntr]

These caribou spend 95% of their time in Canada.  I know one of the guys who fly and tracks them.  It is most definitely not about the caribou.

And they are hunted in Canada, right? That would seem to strongly support Bobcats point.

[pianoman9701]

These caribou spend 95% of their time in Canada.  I know one of the guys who fly and tracks them.  It is most definitely not about the caribou.

And they are hunted in Canada, right? That would seem to strongly support Bobcats point.

Or with pressure in Canada and none in WA, the wolves stay over here when pressured by BC gunners/hunters. This will be especially true with the Canadians declaring war on them in BC. It's too bad our WDFW and Wildlife Commission don't coordinate with BC to save the caribou. But, the caribou are the collateral damage of the outrageous wolf plan.

[buglebrush]

The point is that the habitat stateside isn't critical for the caribou.  They hardly ever stray down here.  It's been said many times, but I guess it needs repeated.  Endangered species are simply political leverage to shut down public access/recreation. 

And if you don't think the retarded wolf plan isn't concentrating wolves in the NE corner when they gave hunting pressure just across the border you are nuts.

[jackelope]

These caribou spend 95% of their time in Canada.  I know one of the guys who fly and tracks them.  It is most definitely not about the caribou.

I know of a guy who flies and tracks them too...he might actually be reading this right now....
 

[WAcoyotehunter]

Lol.  Yeah might be

[Special T]

Honestly, I also have to say I don't really care about a few caribou in the NE corner of the state, that we can't hunt and which almost nobody ever sees. I wish they would stop wasting money on studying them, and trying to save them. There are plenty of caribou north of the border.

I would only agree if they used that same logic on wolves. I HATE the ESA because it takes logic out of the issue.

[Special T]

Wolves are recognized as the main source of mortality,  The caribou population was on an upward trend until wolf recovery

If wolves are the main problem and hunters are fighting wolves then HOW ON GODS GREEN EARTH have hunters abandoned them?

[wolfbait]

I disagree.

The caribou are part of a genetically distinct population that extends into Canada.  The numbers throughout their range are declining, not just in the US portion.  It's important to maintain these small herds for genetic exchange and because (IMO) its the right thing to do. 

Caribou are unlikely to return to a huntable population in some of our lifetimes, but that is the ultimate goal for recovery.  It's shameful that hunters are turning their back on this species.  Where would elk (or bison, deer, turkeys...) be in North America if hunters had responded like this when their populations were critically low?

Wolves are recognized as the main source of mortality,  The caribou population was on an upward trend until wolf recovery

If wolves are the main problem and hunters are fighting wolves then HOW ON GODS GREEN EARTH have hunters abandoned them?

[WAcoyotehunter]

Hunters aren't doing anything about the wolves in the caribou habitat. 

[Special T]

In wa they arnt but in id they are shooting them

[WAcoyotehunter]

They haven't killed many in the caribou recovery area and they I don't think they have killed any in the specific area that holds caribou.  Hunters are not supporting caribou recovery- financially, politically, or by hunting wolves