Fish and Wildlife Commision Meeting 12/3

[bearpaw]

I just don't see the plan having any affect on what happens with the wolves in this state. With or without a plan, they are going to increase in number and spread across the state into suitable habitat. They talk about "control" but what is that? A wolf hunting season? If that ever happens how many wolves will actually be killed? I'd guess not enough to make any difference at all. The only problem I may have with the plan is if they end up moving wolves around the state into areas that don't already have wolves. If they don't get there on their own, then they don't need to be there, ever, in my opinion.

I understand your position, but we already have wolves in my backyard. They already tried to attack my neighbors dogs, they already threatened one of our H-W members when she was deer hunting, they have already eaten beef in Stevens County, and H-W members are posting sightings and pictures on a regular basis. So like it or not we need a plan, it just sucks that we are stuck with 15 bp's that must be verified by WDFW. They can't even deal with cougar complaints much less wolf problems which have proven to be much worse for every other state.

On a positive note:
I do commend the commission for adding the amendments which were added, without those amendments this plan would be much worse.

[wraithen]

Not to mention they won't believe it is a wolf killing unless they themselves actually see the wolf and it attacks them in the process. They'll just say its coyotes or domestic dogs. If we can get some responsible ethical bios we might have a chance to work with this. I see that as our only viable option at this point.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I wish these bios could tell me how many breeding pairs we have up here in the NW Corner of the state ... There are animals living here that never seen a person and if these Bios never get out of the truck and go for a hike then how are they so sure on what we have ? I know for a fact we have wolves living on Washington Pass... Between New Halem and Winthrop ..people I know have seen them on horse back ...Has anyone Ever heard of the DEPT .. mentioning these wolves which most likely came out of Canada ....how far is the border ? the country is so rough around here not many like going out in it 

[wraithen]

That's exactly what I'm referring to. We need actual people. Boots on ground as some of us say. Get on a horse or go for a long walk. Maybe we should add that a bio must spend a week straight in the woods with no vehicle once every other month. Then we might weed out some of the bleeding hearts. I know that isn't a very good idea but it's the best I could come up with. We definitely need better bios in this state. Just not sure how we go about that.

[bearpaw]

I wish these bios could tell me how many breeding pairs we have up here in the NW Corner of the state ... There are animals living here that never seen a person and if these Bios never get out of the truck and go for a hike then how are they so sure on what we have ? I know for a fact we have wolves living on Washington Pass... Between New Halem and Winthrop ..people I know have seen them on horse back ...Has anyone Ever heard of the DEPT .. mentioning these wolves which most likely came out of Canada ....how far is the border ? the country is so rough around here not many like going out in it 

Therein lies the real problem.

It really doesn't matter how many BP's the plan specifies, unless the WDFW does a much better job of monitoring than they have been doing, there will be at least 4 wolves for every wolf they confirm.

[wraithen]

How about this: every adult wolf without a collar is not considered a wolf and therefore fair game to hunter! I did it! I win!

[KillBilly]

I am going to go outside and accomplish something this morning and forget about this issue for the rest of the weekend. 

[bobcat]

I just don't see the plan having any affect on what happens with the wolves in this state. With or without a plan, they are going to increase in number and spread across the state into suitable habitat. They talk about "control" but what is that? A wolf hunting season? If that ever happens how many wolves will actually be killed? I'd guess not enough to make any difference at all. The only problem I may have with the plan is if they end up moving wolves around the state into areas that don't already have wolves. If they don't get there on their own, then they don't need to be there, ever, in my opinion.

I understand your position, but we already have wolves in my backyard. They already tried to attack my neighbors dogs, they already threatened one of our H-W members when she was deer hunting, they have already eaten beef in Stevens County, and H-W members are posting sightings and pictures on a regular basis. So like it or not we need a plan, it just sucks that we are stuck with 15 bp's that must be verified by WDFW. They can't even deal with cougar complaints much less wolf problems which have proven to be much worse for every other state.

On a positive note:
I do commend the commission for adding the amendments which were added, without those amendments this plan would be much worse.

Having the plan is fine, but really what does it do to change all the negative consequences of having wolves in this state? So if the wolf population gets to the minimum numbers required in the plan, and lethal wolf control is allowed- what does that lethal control mean? Simply that the state will sell wolf tags and people can attempt to hunt them? Or will they go up in helicopters and shoot them from the air, or poison them? You know, effective methods of control that will actually have an impact...

[bearpaw]

I see your point now, all I can say is at least it sets a goal post where some sort of management can begin. After watching the poor success of wolf hunts in Idaho and Montana many of us are pretty much in agreement that sport hunting will not control wolf numbers.

I noticed in some of the commissioner's comments that they themselves may be doubtful of wolf management.

Perhaps wolves will end up being the straw that brings back trapping to this state.

[trophyhunt]

I coudn't watch for some reason. Did they talk about elk and deer hunting at all in the next cycle or just wolves? Not  saying the wolf topic isn't important, I think it's the most important thing to deal with. Just curious about the next elk and deer seasons.

[mulehunter]

Anyone record those meeting.  Pls post if possible.

[dreamunelk]

I see your point now, all I can say is at least it sets a goal post where some sort of management can begin. After watching the poor success of wolf hunts in Idaho and Montana many of us are pretty much in agreement that sport hunting will not control wolf numbers.

I will be optimistic here.  I think in time hunting may be a good tool.  I think we have to except that there is a learning curve.  There will be individuals who take the time to actually learn about wolves and apply that knowledge.  Looking at current results may be misleading.  How many hunters just thought they would go over there and shoot a wolf?  Not as easy as it sounds.  Remember most of us hunters are not even close to as good as we think we are.  But, a few do come close by luck of skill.

[dreamunelk]

Anyone record those meeting.  Pls post if possible.

Should be available in a day or two on line.  Check the link provided earlier or co to the commission web page.

[mulehunter]

Thanks.

[BOWHUNTER45]

After what I just heard I think they should bring a pair up here to the nutsack  Rumor has it they are wanting to do away with the quality hunts up here and start using it for governor hunts and raffles ..I am so tired of hearing this crap man  It is definately showing more and more each day how they are slowly taking us out ... plus just got wind of a local tribe donating around $ 30,000.00 to a food bank ... Thats all good for the people and no problem there but seriously they have more money than the state of Washington at this time ...maybe we should plant wolves all over the state and let them eat everything up and then that way NONE OF US WILL HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT !! Sorry but I am bored today