Wolf removal begins in Ferry County

[Ridgeratt]

Wife saw this on the news last night

http://www.krem.com/news/local/ferry-county/state-wildlife-staff-kill-2-wolves-in-ferry-co/296198734


REPUBLIC, Wash. (AP) - State helicopter gunners have shot and killed two adult female wolves in northeastern Washington and efforts to remove wolves are continuing.

 The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said in an email Thursday that staff killed the predators, including this year's breeding female, on Aug. 5. Operations continue but the agency is not releasing details as a safety precaution.

 Department Director Jim Unsworth on Aug. 3 authorized the removal of some members of the Profanity Peak pack that roam Ferry County after staff confirmed several livestock attacks by the wolves this year.

 This is the third time the state has killed wolves since they began recolonizing Washington a decade ago. Wolves are making a comeback but remain an endangered species under state law.

 The state's wolf management plan allows the removal of wolves under certain conditions as the state tries to balance wolf recovery with potential conflicts with people, livestock and wildlife.

[NOCK NOCK]

Just a Question, So when WDFW shoots a wolf from a helicopter, what happens with the wolf? Do they just leave it were its shot, or does a ground person hike in and recover it? 

[dreamunelk]

Just a Question, So when WDFW shoots a wolf from a helicopter, what happens with the wolf? Do they just leave it were its shot, or does a ground person hike in and recover it?

It is recovered.

[Ridgeratt]

Just a Question, So when WDFW shoots a wolf from a helicopter, what happens with the wolf? Do they just leave it were its shot, or does a ground person hike in and recover it?

When the worked over the Wedge Pack WDFW were on 2 foot center's and the amount of ATV tracks was huge. I would venture to guess if you stumbled onto them they would request you relocate. It's seems it's a weekday event.

[villageidiot]

I'm actually amazed there is a rancher left in the state that is willing to work with WDFW and sacrifice many of his cattle knowing they would only confirm a small percentage just to prove this wolf cohabitation doesn't work.  Any rancher I've talked to uses the old fashioned method and WDFW is clueless as to what's going on.  Last summer the sheep rancher lost around 300 sheep and they only confirmed about 30 wolf kills.  WDFW killed one wolf.  This guy was on the wolf advisory committee and threw up his hands in disgust and quit.  He tried to work with WDFW and about went bankrupt.  The writing on the wall is not attractive to ranchers one bit.

[wolfbait]

I'm actually amazed there is a rancher left in the state that is willing to work with WDFW and sacrifice many of his cattle knowing they would only confirm a small percentage just to prove this wolf cohabitation doesn't work.  Any rancher I've talked to uses the old fashioned method and WDFW is clueless as to what's going on.  Last summer the sheep rancher lost around 300 sheep and they only confirmed about 30 wolf kills.  WDFW killed one wolf.  This guy was on the wolf advisory committee and threw up his hands in disgust and quit.  He tried to work with WDFW and about went bankrupt.  The writing on the wall is not attractive to ranchers one bit.

Probably wasn't their choice either. Grapevine has it that most rancher prefer wolf recipes, no pulling the trigger, wolf just crawls in a hole and heads for the happy slaughtering grounds.

At any point when wolves aren't creating the damage they were brought in to do, more wolves are released.