Post by: pianoman9701 on November 16, 2012, 09:26:59 AM
"Wedge pack removal costs set for repeat
Posted on November 16, 2012 by stevenscountycattlemen
November 15, 2012
SCCA calls for proactive management from WDFW
The $76,500 cost for removing the “Wedge” wolf pack in Stevens County this summer is likely to be a repeated expense if management of the animal does not change, according to the Stevens County Cattlemen’s Association.
SCCA President Scott Nielsen said the reported $76,500 bill to eliminate 6 members of the pack could have been prevented if better management by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department was in place.
“The last time we were in Olympia, we heard from people who were upset that the pack was removed and the truth is we are upset too,” said Nielsen. “We believe if WDFW had removed the individual problem wolves sooner, eliminating the whole pack may not have been necessary and a considerable amount of taxpayer money would have been saved.”
The circumstances leading to the pack removal started in early May 2012, as the Diamond M Ranch near Laurier began to lose calves to wolf attacks. As the attacks worsened and injured or dead calves was a near daily occurrence, WDFW hesitated about what to do, dithered on confirming wolf activity and did not take appropriate action, said Nielsen.
Despite non-lethal methods employed by the Diamond M, including moving cattle and range riders, the pack depredation could not be deterred.
WDFW finally removed the Wedge pack in September with an aerial crew after the agency had already expended over $54,000 to deploy on-the-ground personnel for 39 days. The land-based efforts only resulted in the removal of one wolf.
By the time the wolves were removed, the pack had killed 10 calves and injured 8 more at the Diamond M. The financial loss to the ranch due to death, injury, mutilation and stress on their cattle caused by wolves is estimated to be over $100,000, according to the Diamond M.
This scenario is set for a repeat, according to Nielsen, unless state wolf management changes.
“What we hope the Department has learned from this is that wolves and livestock do not mix. We have eight more wolf packs in our region that are likely to find penned horses, grazing cattle and backyard goats easier to kill and more appealing than searching for their natural prey,” said Nielsen. “If we don’t reduce the number of wolves in our area, we will be looking at a ‘Diamond M’ type situation again in the near future.”
Nielsen said SCCA is advocating for a reduction in the number of wolves in the region; both by reducing pack size and relocating some of the Eastern Washington packs to other parts of the state.
“One thing that we have heard from other parts of the state is how much they want wolves to be on the Washington landscape. We have an overabundance of these animals in our area and know that relocation can help reestablish them throughout Washington,” Nielsen noted.
Nielsen noted SCCA is also advocating to delist the wolf in the Eastern Washington region so there can be a needed adjustment in management.
“We need to transition from a recovery mindset to a management mindset in this state,” he said. “The numbers are there, the conflicts are easy to predict, so let’s deal with reality.” '
Post by: villageidiot on November 16, 2012, 05:16:19 PM
I know!
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 17, 2012, 12:47:55 AM
$ 370,000.00 on wolf management just last year :dunno: :bash: :bash: : you have people not agreeing with it because it happened on public lands which they feel was not right .... :dunno: then comparing a wolf to the cost of a discover pass :yike: whats up with that ? :o
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 17, 2012, 06:14:59 AM
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 17, 2012, 09:00:10 AM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 17, 2012, 09:40:31 AM
You,the hunters in this state,won't see a wolf season until the west side managment goals have been reached!! :twocents:
That's right. I see you're up and at 'em early this morning!
Post by: high country on November 18, 2012, 11:15:25 PM
We, the hunters in the state, could of killed them for under a grand !!! Idiots is in Olympia.... :mor: :stup:
I think you mean......for a profit to the state.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 19, 2012, 11:19:52 AM
We, the hunters in the state, could of killed them for under a grand !!! Idiots is in Olympia.... :mor: :stup:
I think you mean......for a profit to the state.
Yes, wolf tags $1000 each for residents.
Post by: high country on November 19, 2012, 11:35:53 AM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 19, 2012, 05:07:13 PM
Shhhh! Dave Ware might actually think guys will pay that. Methinks a $18 tag will be fine. Sell one and you made money. I bet the first year would sell a heap.....especially if they swore to use the proceeds from the wolf tag sales to go 100% to elk feeding.....yep, it will never happen.
No kidding, never, ever happen !,
Post by: KFhunter on November 23, 2012, 09:46:31 PM
Post by: Bob33 on November 23, 2012, 09:54:42 PM
Shhhh! Dave Ware might actually think guys will pay that. Methinks a $18 tag will be fine. Sell one and you made money. I bet the first year would sell a heap.....especially if they swore to use the proceeds from the wolf tag sales to go 100% to elk feeding.....yep, it will never happen.It might work if the permits were draw only and you had to purchase an application for each category: Quality Wolf, Youth Wolf, Disabled Wolf, Age 65 and older Wolf, Big Bad Wolf...
Post by: high country on November 24, 2012, 07:21:28 AM
Shhhh! Dave Ware might actually think guys will pay that. Methinks a $18 tag will be fine. Sell one and you made money. I bet the first year would sell a heap.....especially if they swore to use the proceeds from the wolf tag sales to go 100% to elk feeding.....yep, it will never happen.It might work if the permits were draw only and you had to purchase an application for each category: Quality Wolf, Youth Wolf, Disabled Wolf, Age 65 and older Wolf, Big Bad Wolf...
You read my mind.
Post by: elkaholic on November 24, 2012, 08:27:46 AM
Big bad wolf... That was good......
Post by: Jingles on November 24, 2012, 09:01:08 AM
You,the hunters in this state,won't see a wolf season until the west side managment goals have been reached!! :twocents:
Maybe WDFW needs some help in increasing the numbers on the west side... Anyone feel like setting up some live traps and transporting to say Normandy Park or maybe Lake Washington Park
Post by: Special T on November 24, 2012, 01:26:31 PM
Post by: boneaddict on November 24, 2012, 01:30:02 PM
There are still wolves in the wedge, seen tracks just a few days ago less than 10 miles from the Diamond M
THere sure are
Post by: motg9_6 on November 24, 2012, 01:36:57 PM
You,the hunters in this state,won't see a wolf season until the west side managment goals have been reached!! :twocents:
Maybe WDFW needs some help in increasing the numbers on the west side... Anyone feel like setting up some live traps and transporting to say Normandy Park or maybe Lake Washington Park
how about down town seattle???? they think that its ok for them to be in our backyard why not theres???
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 25, 2012, 06:22:57 PM
There are still wolves in the wedge, seen tracks just a few days ago less than 10 miles from the Diamond M
I have photos of fresh Wolf crap a week after they told us the got them all. It is less that 2 miles from the Diamond M!
Post by: bearpaw on November 25, 2012, 06:36:08 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 25, 2012, 06:38:56 PM
I spent some time in the wedge area where the wolf pack lives in early November looking for a moose, saw almost no tracks of any big game in two day old snow. Had to go to a different area to find any moose. :bash:
So don't listen to me! I have been posting all season it is void of critters! First deer I have seen was this weekend.
Post by: bearpaw on November 25, 2012, 06:44:25 PM
I spent some time in the wedge area where the wolf pack lives in early November looking for a moose, saw almost no tracks of any big game in two day old snow. Had to go to a different area to find any moose. :bash:
So don't listen to me! I have been posting all season it is void of critters! First deer I have seen was this weekend.
I was agreeing with you... :)
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 25, 2012, 06:47:13 PM
Post by: bearpaw on November 25, 2012, 06:49:58 PM
Can tell ya where the Moose are in 101!!! But they also have wolves.
We already filled the tag after we left the wedge pack's area. Sad to see what has happened there, used to be some really good whitetail hunting and a growing moose population in that area.
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 25, 2012, 06:57:38 PM
I spend way to much time in that unit!
Post by: waterdoctor on November 26, 2012, 08:05:16 AM
If your from the area and know Big Mike he saw a bunch of wolf tracks last week up there. We had a bunch of droppings on our road and WDFW was not interested. Also they said that when you take a picture and send it in don't use your hand as a measurement of the size. Something with a known length is much better.
The area was hit hard by the wolves in terms of numbers of game animals but also I think that I saw a change in behavior. They are not showing themselves on the edges during daylight. And for the most part not spending any time in the clear cuts or the hay fields unless it is a moonless night. Hope that I am wrong but that's what it looks like to me.
Post by: KFhunter on November 26, 2012, 05:59:18 PM
I spent some time in the wedge area where the wolf pack lives in early November looking for a moose, saw almost no tracks of any big game in two day old snow. Had to go to a different area to find any moose. :bash:
I seen lot's of tracks, today in fact.
Some are minutes old, some are up to 24 hours old. None are more than 48 hours old.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1200.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb332%2FKF_hunter%2FWolves%2F20121126_102231.jpg&hash=64b28df56324bf3319ef08ba1d887deeb1a10edf)
Post by: KFhunter on November 26, 2012, 06:01:04 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1200.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb332%2FKF_hunter%2FWolves%2F20121126_103133.jpg&hash=9f917a7976d4f7624dc1461974f4411837d02359)
Post by: KFhunter on November 26, 2012, 06:11:00 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1200.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb332%2FKF_hunter%2FWolves%2F20121126_123555.jpg&hash=9f76bb6bd83fdfeaa11a8c84e06501777d4ad8da)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1200.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb332%2FKF_hunter%2FWolves%2F20121126_124033.jpg&hash=ebfc5933d6b2a050d5fb3e1eed75e86d8b34a128)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1200.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb332%2FKF_hunter%2FWolves%2F20121126_124012.jpg&hash=6898cda3cdc613d60c90f648119a47b11179837c)
Post by: KFhunter on November 26, 2012, 06:13:55 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 26, 2012, 06:22:35 PM
Post by: KFhunter on November 26, 2012, 06:24:55 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/bill-mcirvine-rancher-wedge-wolf-pack-video_n_1914123.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/bill-mcirvine-rancher-wedge-wolf-pack-video_n_1914123.html)
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 26, 2012, 06:28:31 PM
just up the road from McIrvins
Holly crap. Past Roys ? How many do you think were hanging around there ? Did you ever hear any howling ?
Post by: KFhunter on November 26, 2012, 06:36:01 PM
WDFW will try to tell us it's different wolves, but meh.
I bet these got a taste for beef.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 26, 2012, 06:48:21 PM
yup - same pack that's been there the whole time. Maybe they increased in #'s - or they weren't killed?
WDFW will try to tell us it's different wolves, but meh.
I bet these got a taste for beef.
I'm thinkin' they like beef too ! Looks like there was 4-5 in the pack maybe ?
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 26, 2012, 06:48:41 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 26, 2012, 06:52:06 PM
Post by: villageidiot on November 26, 2012, 09:21:10 PM
Post by: bearpaw on November 27, 2012, 09:08:26 AM
I spent some time in the wedge area where the wolf pack lives in early November looking for a moose, saw almost no tracks of any big game in two day old snow. Had to go to a different area to find any moose. :bash:
I seen lot's of tracks, today in fact.
Some are minutes old, some are up to 24 hours old. None are more than 48 hours old.
I forwarded your photos to the Wildlife Commission and to Donny Martorello, whom I think is in charge of the wolf program now. Thanks for posting. :tup:
Post by: Bob33 on November 27, 2012, 09:11:12 AM
It will be interesting to see how they respond.
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 27, 2012, 09:23:46 AM
Post by: KFhunter on November 27, 2012, 09:31:51 AM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/bill-mcirvine-rancher-wedge-wolf-pack-video_n_1914123.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/bill-mcirvine-rancher-wedge-wolf-pack-video_n_1914123.html)
They demonizing Bill McIrvin by name - sickening.
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on November 27, 2012, 09:35:40 AM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 27, 2012, 09:48:13 AM
Post by: bearpaw on November 27, 2012, 09:54:24 AM
Post by: KFhunter on November 27, 2012, 10:04:09 AM
WDFW shot the last dominate male, another took it's place, the pack lives on.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 27, 2012, 10:15:14 AM
Come on you guys, do the math. WDFW knew they had 8 to 12 wolves in the pack and they only killed 6 or 7. Of course they know there are still wolves there. I'm glad to see proof like this getting out to the public that part of the pack is still there. Then when the cattle problems begin again we have proof that you have to take out the whole pack. :twocents:
Maybe the WDFW is a wolf in sheeps clothing, meaning they know what they are gonna do, but have to do it covertly to appease the libs ?
Post by: bearpaw on November 27, 2012, 10:21:50 AM
some of those pics you'll notice that a new dominate male has taken over, why I took the pics of the marking on random bushes.
WDFW shot the last dominate male, another took it's place, the pack lives on.
I posted a photo of a wolf taken last winter of a wolf on the east side of the unit. There has been wolves all over the GMU for several years, there was at least two packs in that GMU, the pack on the east side had pups 3 years ago. Lots of folks saw those wolves.
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 27, 2012, 08:49:57 PM
some of those pics you'll notice that a new dominate male has taken over, why I took the pics of the marking on random bushes.
WDFW shot the last dominate male, another took it's place, the pack lives on.
He had taken his place less than 30 minutes after the old one hit the lawn! :peep:
Wished we had a popcorn eating or a chair watching Smiley
Perhaps I should just go under ground and watch this develop.
Dale/ KF you need to get the photos to the Wolf Bio up there. He is interested in any info you may have or sounded like that when I talked to him this fall.
Post by: KFhunter on November 27, 2012, 10:34:36 PM
Dale/ KF you need to get the photos to the Wolf Bio up there. He is interested in any info you may have or sounded like that when I talked to him this fall.
Dale took care of it already
I forwarded your photos to the Wildlife Commission and to Donny Martorello, whom I think is in charge of the wolf program now. Thanks for posting. :tup:
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 01, 2012, 06:58:49 PM
So here is a photo of the wolf poo from the wedge unit after they had shot all of them.
This was just up the road from the Diamond M in Oct.
I didn't take a pic with a handgun setting in the pile! :sry:
But for referance the boot is a 10.5. Looks like who ever did this made several trips throught the buffet line.
Post by: KFhunter on December 01, 2012, 07:32:06 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 01, 2012, 07:56:12 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 02, 2012, 09:42:33 AM
You could have put it all in a ziplock baggie with a note saying "you missed one" and the GPS coordinates and mailed it WDFW.
Not sure it would have all fit in a gallon bag.
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on December 06, 2012, 02:15:11 PM
Capital Press E-Editon
Wolf activity continues in Wedge pack area
http://www.capitalpress.com/newsletter/mw-Wolf-Wedge-120412 (http://www.capitalpress.com/newsletter/mw-Wolf-Wedge-120412)
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 06, 2012, 02:18:54 PM
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on December 06, 2012, 02:29:55 PM
Found my pocket camera in my ammo bag.Are you sure that's wolf scat? I would guess bear from the pictures.
So here is a photo of the wolf poo from the wedge unit after they had shot all of them.
This was just up the road from the Diamond M in Oct.
I didn't take a pic with a handgun setting in the pile! :sry:
But for referance the boot is a 10.5. Looks like who ever did this made several trips throught the buffet line.
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 06, 2012, 07:15:32 PM
Found my pocket camera in my ammo bag.Are you sure that's wolf scat? I would guess bear from the pictures.
So here is a photo of the wolf poo from the wedge unit after they had shot all of them.
This was just up the road from the Diamond M in Oct.
I didn't take a pic with a handgun setting in the pile! :sry:
But for reference the boot is a 10.5. Looks like who ever did this made several trips through the buffet line.
It matched all the rest of the evidence along the road it was just the largest pile. It is also in the same area that last year had a tremendous amount as well.
If this was a bear they also had the trot's since there was almost a 1/2 mile of spots.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on December 06, 2012, 07:32:39 PM
Post by: Killmore on December 07, 2012, 08:44:43 AM
Post by: wence5 on December 13, 2012, 12:29:41 PM
You,the hunters in this state,won't see a wolf season until the west side management goals have been reached!! :two cents:
I seriously doubt there will be a season on wolves in this state, at least not like what needs to take place. Washington is not Idaho, Montana, or Wyoming. The wet side liberals will work day and night to make sure the beautiful wolves are not molested, aka managed, and in 10 years we will be so infested with this vermin we will see elk and deer herds wiped out. The goal is to stop cattle being grazed on public lands, and as a bonus, hunting curtailed or severely cut back. Just my :twocents:.
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 13, 2012, 12:30:54 PM