Wolves in the Winston?

[rawhide67]

I have been bow hunting the Winston unit for going on 15 year and have never seen any wolves or sign for that matter.  I'm not saying it isnt possible but am wondering if there is any truth to it?  I have noticed a significant decline in the elk numbers and just assumed it was a result of the goons at the wdfw giving out way to many rifle cow tags because of the so called over population of the herd.  With all that said I guess If they are not there already they will be soon enough . 

[luvtohnt]

Why does everyone associate a decline in numbers to the presence of predators?

Brandon

[fair-chase]

Why does everyone associate a decline in numbers to the presence of predators?

Really? I know it's a strech but I will try to connect the dots. Predator eats prey hence less prey.

[jackelope]

Pretty sure the odds of too many cow tags causing a decline in the elk numbers has a much better chance of being valid than wolves in the winston does.
 

[rawhide67]

As far as I can tell wolves only have one predator, us.  Oh wait no they dont.  hmmm

[Cougeyes]

Why does everyone associate a decline in numbers to the presence of predators?

I'm with you on that one.  It is the first thing people suggest as the reason for less deer or elk.  Many may be true for certain areas, however i dont think its always the case.  People need to realize other things may be at fault such as bad winters coupled with drought or disease such as hair loss loss of habitat, maybe over harvest in certain GMUs keeps numbers down.
  Yes Wolves are in WA but not in numbers like seen in MT or ID.  People who hunt various GMUs all say the same thing.  I dont think we have wolves in every GMU.  Predators like cougars are often self regulating anyway, its not like there are stacks of cougars running rampent in your honey holes.  Not saying there aren't a few but they have huge home ranges and often fight eachoter for terrirories and resources.  I dont think there are enough wolves to have competition amongst eachother to be self regulating.  

[jackelope]

As far as I can tell wolves only have one predator, us.  Oh wait no they dont.  hmmm

What does that have to do with wolves being in the Winston GMU?

[rawhide67]

Pretty sure the odds of too many cow tags causing a decline in the elk numbers has a much better chance of being valid than wolves in the winston does.
 

I agree I was just wondering if anyone had first hand accounts of wolf sightings, and was posting what I thought may have been a more realistic reason.  I have noticed increasing posts about wolves around St Helens and was curious

[Viszla]

I hate to say it but the problem comes from our friends from south of the border.  Those elk(and deer) are hunted (poached) 12 months out of the year.

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

I dont have any problems finding elk and dont think the population has declined.  Poaching wouldbe my first guess plus it pounded with hunters! I havent heard of any wolves seen in Lewic County yet???

[AKBowman]

Why does everyone associate a decline in numbers to the presence of predators?

Brandon

Why? maybe because wolves are the best natural killing machine on the face of the planet. Furhtermore they kill to kill and will kill and not eat their prey just bits and pieces (like elk, deer and moose fetuses)

Bears and cougars play a huge factor on elk and deer numbers as well. It is a known and proven fact that correct regulated hunting will not deplete prey numbers. I know their are arguments about wdfw regulations and if they are doing a good job or not. Most agree that in most cases they are not. One thing is for DAMN sure, predators hunt 365 days a year and if left unregulated they WILL destroy ungulate #'s. The world we live in cannot support high predator #'s its just a fact.

I HATE WOLVES!!! As if it werent obvious from this post.

SOS!! Shoot On Site

[AKBowman]

As far as I can tell wolves only have one predator, us.  Oh wait no they dont.  hmmm

What does that have to do with wolves being in the Winston GMU?

They are spreading all over hell and back with ZERO regulation. My guess is within 2 years they will encompass the entire state. God damn plague.

[ser300wsm]

I agree SHOOT ON SITE. 

[bridgeman]

Why does everyone associate a decline in numbers to the presence of predators?

Brandon

Why? maybe because wolves are the best natural killing machine on the face of the planet. Furhtermore they kill to kill and will kill and not eat their prey just bits and pieces (like elk, deer and moose fetuses)

Bears and cougars play a huge factor on elk and deer numbers as well. It is a known and proven fact that correct regulated hunting will not deplete prey numbers. I know their are arguments about wdfw regulations and if they are doing a good job or not. Most agree that in most cases they are not. One thing is for DAMN sure, predators hunt 365 days a year and if left unregulated they WILL destroy ungulate #'s. The world we live in cannot support high predator #'s its just a fact.

I HATE WOLVES!!! As if it werent obvious from this post.

SOS!! Shoot On Site