No Wolves Released by Feds, Now or in the Future

[pianoman9701]

Hey Gang,

I got a response from The USFWS representative, Douglas Zimmer. It's to the point and very clear. I may be naive, but from the responses I've received from both the feds and the WDFW, I'm personally convinced that neither have, are, or will release wolves into our state. Here's the email I received from Doug moments ago:

"It is not the current policy of the USFWS to release gray wolves into Washington state. It has never been done, it is not contemplated and I doubt if it ever will be.

Re-introduction of a controversial species like wolves would not be done without coordination with the relevant State agencies. In the case of Washington, gray wolves are recolonizing the state from British Columbia and there is no need for any re-introduction effort.

I personally have been involved in the oversight of gray wolf issues in Washington for over two decades and I can absolutely state that the federal government has never moved wolves into Washington or even contemplated moving wolves into Washington.

Anyone who tells you different is misinformed or lying.

Doug Zimmer,
Supervisor, Information & Education
Washington Fish and Wildlife Office
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Lacey, WA 98503
360/753-4370"

I hope this puts that specific issue to bed so we can move on to more pertinent wolf management topics.
Pman

[Whitpirate]

Well this is getting interesting.  Pack the cameras fellas!  If we see the mystery trailer with puppies in it we gotta get pictures.

[pianoman9701]

Well this is getting interesting.  Pack the cameras fellas!  If we see the mystery trailer with puppies in it we gotta get pictures.

After making these statements, and the one from the WDFW was also quite clear, they have nothing to gain by releasing and everything to lose. That doesn't mean that some greenie or wolf advocate with a sanctuary isn't doing it. A private citizen doing this would be violating several state and federal laws, big ones, and would likely face jail time if prosecuted. If you can get pictures of them, you'd be performing a great service.

[bobcat]

This is what I keep trying to tell people. Yet I still continue to see the term "wolf introduction" or similar. Nobody has brought wolves to this state. They came here on their own, and they've probably been here in small numbers all along.

[bearpaw]

I agree with you pianoman at this point. When USFWS released wolves in Idaho they got a permit from the current director. That director violated Idaho legislation, but the USFWS did apply for and get a permit before they released wolves.

However, this does not discount the high probabilty that wolf groups or individual wolf lovers may be illegally releasing wolves.

Wolf Hybrids have been turning up in the state too, so we have no way of knowing how many of our wolves are hybrids.

Definitely take any photos possible.....


I almost forgot to compliment piano for sending the letter.... 

[bobcat]

I guess in my post I should have said "nobody has "officially" brought wolves to this state. Who knows how many have been illegally released by private individuals.

[BIGINNER]

what about translocating wolves?   

[pianoman9701]

what about translocating wolves?   

The wolf plan clearly states that translocation is part of their plan when and where needed.

[KillBilly]

Hmmm, I was not aware that we did not already know that. I had read that somewhere many months ago. I hqave been telling people that for many months. I was not aware that clarification was needed.

Anyway, thank you John for getting it documented for all to see. That will make it easier.

[bone collector 12]

so if they are not full blood grey wolfs then can't we shoot them? honest question

[pianoman9701]

Hmmm, I was not aware that we did not already know that. I had read that somewhere many months ago. I hqave been telling people that for many months. I was not aware that clarification was needed.

Anyway, thank you John for getting it documented for all to see. That will make it easier.

I couldn't find the other thread where this came up, but as soon as I got the answer from the state, someone said, "yeah, but that doesn't mean the Feds won't do it." So I got this. It's funny, the plan is plenty bad enough for us without making stuff up. But maybe if we can get the garbage out of the way, we can work on the true issues.

[bearpaw]

Correct again piano, thanks for clarifying for everyone.


bone collector 12, I thinkthat if a wolf was shot and it dna'd as a hybrid, nothing could be done. But unless there is a surefire way to know before pulling the trigger, that is a huge chance to take with your freedom. Anyone convicted of shooting a wolf is going to pay a high price at this point.

I have heard some people who think we need to translocate wolves so that we can get management underway in areas already being impacted. Not saying I agree, just reporting comments I have heard.

[pianoman9701]

so if they are not full blood grey wolfs then can't we shoot them? honest question

You'd better be an expert if you pull the trigger. Identifying a hybrid on the run would be a real challenge for a biologist, never mind one of us hunters. One mistake and the ESA is going to take away all your stuff and your freedom. They're not going to mess around.

[bone collector 12]

so if they are not full blood grey wolfs then can't we shoot them? honest question

You'd better be an expert if you pull the trigger. Identifying a hybrid on the run would be a real challenge for a biologist, never mind one of us hunters. One mistake and the ESA is going to take away all your stuff and your freedom. They're not going to mess around.

okk thanks for the clarification on that one

[BIGINNER]

what about translocating wolves?   

The wolf plan clearly states that translocation is part of their plan when and where needed.

isn't basically like introducing wolves?  just a different name for it,  wolves come in from canada or idaho,.. and they can trap them and move them anywhere in the state.....