Changes to the wolf plan

[Kain]

On the agenda for the April 13-14 meeting.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2012/04/agenda_apr1412.html

2:40
P.M.   
9. Regional Listing/Delisting of Wolves - Commission Blue Sheet Request - Briefing
Department staff will provide an analysis on what would be needed to make changes to the threatened and endangered WAC in order for the Commission to consider regional delisting of wolves.

3:10
P.M.   
10. Commission's Position Statement "Wolves in Washington" - Decision
The Commission will discuss a draft wolf position statement.

[WAcoyotehunter]

That's good news!!!  I hope they make those changes!!!

[Kain]

I dont think they can make those changes yet but this will tell them what needs to change so that they can make them.  Its still a step in the right direction.  And Im sure a start of the lawsuits.

[WAcoyotehunter]

That's fine- it shows that they are interested in the change, which is good.

[buckfvr]

We know they are listening to good advice from many directions, so its extremely difficult for them to not respond without seeming like a bunch of bone heads.   THis wolf thing has gotten too far by ignoring sound evidence from other states ...... a move like this could abate a lot of the lack of confidence.

[KillBilly]

Let's get something together, I'll be there for sure

This would be a good start in my opinion.

Madam Chair, Commissioners, Director Anderson

Washington for Wildlife (WFW) is in full support of delisting wolves by region, and believes it to be a practical, responsible & scientific solution to the precarious situation the State of Washington is in regarding the management of Wolves. Washington For Wildlife would be more than willing to work with Department staff to provide a diverse, Scientific and acceptable analysis on what would be needed to make changes to the threatened and endangered WAC.

I am sure that you will find every Hunting & Conservation Organization in the State of Washington just as willing to do the same.

Al Stover
President,
Washington For Wildlife

[CementFinisher]

good to see they are thinking a bit more about the plan

[grundy53]

I like it Al.

[denali]

   well said

[kevinlisa06]

Glad they are looking at changing things so quickly before things get out of control regional delisting is a start.

[bearpaw]

well written Al....


less is more....

[NWBREW]

I'm all for it Al. 

[jdurham]

Does anybody know what the WDFW has done so far to monitor packs?  Have the collared any animals yet?  I live right on the Idaho border near Blanchard ID.  I have kept minerals out for about 10 years now and a game camera for 4 years.  I have seen the deer numbers decline drastically in the last two years even though the winters have been mild.  I used to get 200 pictures a night on the camera.  Now 20-30 is all.  The elk herd that winters on the state land to the west of me has gone from 35-40 to 7 animals this year.  I started hearing wolves and finding tracks, and seeing them about 3 years ago.  There was a problem with dogs running deer 3 winters ago.  After numerous calls a warden finally called me.  The subject switched to wolves.  I was assured what I was seeing and hearing was neighbors Hybrids!  A season or control on the wolves is years off!  By the way, the dog issue was never addressed.

[WAcoyotehunter]

Are the wolves hanging around on Hoodoo?  Where do you think they are?  I can go look around and do a howling survey.

[jdurham]

Are the wolves hanging around on Hoodoo?  Where do you think they are?  I can go look around and do a howling survey.

Yes they are hanging around Hoodoo.  In fact just this morning on my way to work I had one lumber across Roberts Lane in front of me.  I would say about 250 yards west of Sanders.  I hear them howl just to the west of my place.  See tracks also.  This is not new it has been going on for about 3 years now.