Posted on 10/19/2010 2:07:13 PM PDT by jazusamo
Boise, Idaho -- We are no longer managing your wolves.
Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter told the Federal Government that Idaho will no longer be a designated agent in wolf management under the Endangered Species Act. It's a decision that's being met with approval and disappointment.
"This has been after months and months and months of frustration," said Otter.
Frustration over a federal court's decision to put the gray wolf back on the Endangered Species List. It was de-listed in May 2008 and then put back on it this past August. Otter says that hinders the state's sovereign right to manage its wildlife. Instead, he has ordered Fish and Game to re-direct its efforts to protect the state's deer, moose and elk.
"They're just not going to be able to sustain the elk populations. And if we keep this up and keep ignoring it, keep pushing everything forward, the elk are going to become the next endangered species," said Otter.
The hunters that we talked to at this outfitting store in Boise say the gray wolves have been a problem for them for quite a while. So, it's no surprise that today's decision made by Otter came with widespread agreement.
"We've gone out and killed five bulls a year, for one season, now, we go out and we're lucky to see one," said Boise hunter Kelly Saleen.
"They're an aggressive and killing animal and we have no need for them," said Jim Leonard, a hunter from Boise.
Otter's ultimate aim here is to put the management of the gray wolf population back in the hands of the state, meaning the reinstitution of a wolf hunting season.
"We can protect our domestic livestock, we can protect our personal property and ourselves," said Otter.
In a statement in response to Otter's letter, the Department of the Interior is sticking to its guns saying "In light of the Federal Court ruling, the wolf is again on the Endangered Species List and therefore we cannot currently authorize the resumption of sport hunting of wolves. Up to this point, we appreciate the states of Idaho and Montana who have been working responsibly to manage wolves; nonetheless, we must follow the court's ruling. We are committed to continuing to work with Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to address the wolf issue in a balanced manner that addresses the predation issue and conservation of the elk population."
Otter's decision is being met with opposition by some conservation groups, such as the Defenders of Wildlife. They say he's unnecessarily and irresponsibly escalating tensions over wolf management at time when a lasting solution is being sought.
such as the Defenders of Wildlife. They say he's unnecessarily and irresponsibly escalating tensions over wolf management
That's a laugh coming from Defenders of Wildlife, they and other enviro nazis are the people responsible for escalating tensions for years.
Idaho wolf Ping!
Ever state “otter” do something similar with all kinds of federal mandates.
If there is any further interference from the Federalistas, then I suggest Idaho start paying bounty on wolves as well. I’ll bet you could get the Stockman’s Association to put up bounty for each wolf scalp turned in and it wouldn’t cost the state coffers a dime.
Exactly!
I’d bet you’re correct. I doubt that ID Fish & Game personnel are going to be too concerned about investigating the killing of wolves now also.
Gotta love the letter he sent to Salazzar, see it here:
http://gov.idaho.gov/press/webnews/2010/Salazar%20wolf%20letter.pdf
Butch “Otter” run in 2012.
Excellent letter, short and to the point.
Thanks for linking.
Time for Idaho to apply the SSS method. Let that sheepish wolf Salazar show up live and protect his species himself. Whatta Shmuck he is!
I'm on the second year in a row without seeing any elk. Usually we get one, and if we don't we at least see the wrong sex for our tags.
Last year we saw sign all over the place, this year even sign was way down.
But saw plenty of wolf tracks...more than last year, and last year the unit we hunt in covered their wolf tags.
Wrong way to look at it ....
“Idaho no Longer Infringing on Citizens Rights to Protect Themselves and Their Property From Gray Wolves”
TT
Letting wolves re-inhabit the NW states is so wrong, IMO.
If the feds and enviros want wolves let them remain in the National Parks and any wolf straying out should be fair game.
When their numbers reach a certain level as in ID and MT they decimate elk herds.
Now they’re establishing themselves in OR and WA with the help of F&G and enviro nazis.
You make a good point.
Correction ... “Idaho no Longer “Supports” Infringing on Citizens Rights to Protect Themselves and Their Property From Gray Wolves”
As it appears Dept of Interior still wants a boot on Citizens throats
TT
There seems to be a simple solution. Shoot the critters when they encroach, find the carcass, dig the slug out, and deny any knowledge of the incident if asked by authorities. Thin the herd so to speak.
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