tribal question

[Bob33]

Wolves are federally delisted in the eastern third of Washington, but Washington state law prohibits hunting them anywhere in the state.

[Fowlweather25]

Wolves are federally delisted in the eastern third of Washington, but Washington state law prohibits hunting them anywhere in the state.

Does that include the tribal lands is the op's question. Being federally delisted in those areas could theoretically give the tribes the ability to do so I would imagine because they are no longer under federal protection.

[PlateauNDN]

it's listed nowhere in the Yakama Regs and I've asked our own wildlife and regulatories but as long as the wolves are federally protected in our Areas it is illegal for a Yakama Tribal Member to kill them, just like sea lions.  Just because they are doing it doesn't make it legal, it just means they haven't been caught.  And currently the wolves are still listed federally in our Ceded Areas so it's a no-go to legally hunt, but from what i've been able to gather they are not welcome nor will they stand for as many wolves as the State wants in our area.

Under our regs it states which predatory animals are defined and the wolves are not one of them.  Wolves do have culture significance and are apart of our tribes culture and history but from the other side of the current spectrum wolves are not welcome if they're taking opportunities away from hunters to provide for the greater whole.

As long as they are illegal federally there is not much that's going to take place but, similar actions can be taken such as the Colville Tribe only allowing a very small amount with tight regulation of the size are possible.

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks for clearing that up Plateau.  As always, well said.

Regarding the cultural signifigance, my Stepdad was a Spokane.  He would not shoot a coyote under any circumstances.  I shot one once deer hunting, and he packed up and we went home.  He said the hunt was ruined.  Of course, not all tribal members feel that way, but I know the cultural considerations will affect some...

[Special T]

Why no coyotes?

[KillBilly]

From what I understand the Colvilles are probably able to hunt/kill wolves on both the upper and lower half. They would fall strictly under Federal Jurisdiction.

[KillBilly]

NO....it is written DIRECTLY in their game laws, they cannot shoot wolves.   That is for Colville and for the Yakima confederated tribes.


That being said, I know the tribal guys will shoot on site with little fear of reprucussions.  (tribal guys I am referring too are Colville and have told me in person.)

I believe that was before the Feds de-listed them Doug. When Joe Peone gave his presentation in Spokane, he indicated that they would decide their own number of BPs and they would not tolerate wolves taking away or reducing their prime source of food. He didn't actually say they would shoot them but how do you limit the numbers any other way?

[inchtowntracking]

As far as I know no plan has been made as of yet. There is a survey that is out asking the members their opinion. And one of the questions was how we should handle them if the choice is made I picked to hunt and trap. The survey is on the tribal website.

[Pathfinder101]

Why no coyotes?

Powerful animal. Almost a diety. I think it is their way of respecting their intelligence (which anyone who has ever hunted them can testify to). 

[bearpaw]

NO....it is written DIRECTLY in their game laws, they cannot shoot wolves.   That is for Colville and for the Yakima confederated tribes.


That being said, I know the tribal guys will shoot on site with little fear of reprucussions.  (tribal guys I am referring too are Colville and have told me in person.)

I think the tribes are in the same position as any state. They must have a USFWS approved plan before they can authorize any lethal management of wolves.

[h2ofowlr]

it's listed nowhere in the Yakama Regs and I've asked our own wildlife and regulatories but as long as the wolves are federally protected in our Areas it is illegal for a Yakama Tribal Member to kill them, just like sea lions.  Just because they are doing it doesn't make it legal, it just means they haven't been caught.  And currently the wolves are still listed federally in our Ceded Areas so it's a no-go to legally hunt, but from what i've been able to gather they are not welcome nor will they stand for as many wolves as the State wants in our area.

Under our regs it states which predatory animals are defined and the wolves are not one of them.  Wolves do have culture significance and are apart of our tribes culture and history but from the other side of the current spectrum wolves are not welcome if they're taking opportunities away from hunters to provide for the greater whole.

As long as they are illegal federally there is not much that's going to take place but, similar actions can be taken such as the Colville Tribe only allowing a very small amount with tight regulation of the size are possible.

You should talk to the tribes and have them regulate the wolves or thin them down.  It seems to be a double standard when it comes to infractions.  They get a hand slap and we loose everything.  It's a broken system and as more conservationist join the ranks of the WDFW, they will not have the best interest of any hunter in the coming years.

[KillBilly]

As far as I know no plan has been made as of yet. There is a survey that is out asking the members their opinion. And one of the questions was how we should handle them if the choice is made I picked to hunt and trap. The survey is on the tribal website.

Thanks Inch, I was going to ask you what you might know so far but got sidetracked.... thanks for following up.