Planned Rules for Wolf Hunt in Idaho Revealed

Idaho is one of two states that were given back the right to manage its wolf population when they were taken off the federal endangered species list. This fall's planned wolf hunt will include a no statewide quota on the number of wolves that can be killed.

Regional Fish and Game supervisor Dave Cadwallader said the local zone is proposing liberal seasons and tags. He said Idaho's population exceeds 1,000 wolves.

"The goal is really not so much about wolf numbers, the goal is more to reduce conflicts," said Cadwallader.

In an effort to curb the predators' rapid expansion over the past two decades, Idaho officials indicated this fall's planned wolf hunt will be managed like other big game seasons. It will have no statewide quota on the number of wolves that can be killed. Wolf tags for the upcoming hunt would cost around $11.50, and hunters could be allowed to buy two tags per calendar year for the Aug. 30 to March 31 season.

In addition, electronic calls will be allowed and trapping may also be permitted. Meanwhile, the plans outlined last week, including the number of wolves that can killed in Idaho, will be finalized during the Fish and Game Commission's meetings at the end of the July.

Reprinted in part from allheadlinenews.com and KLEW