The area where I live used to be home to an elk herd 20,000 strong, which is now numbered (by the corrupt fish & game department) at about 3,000.
The reintroduction of the Canadian wolf was launched in the 80's by a rabidly politicized U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department, with a long-term goal of driving ranchers, farmers, hunters and outfitters off the land.
They have certainly had that effect on the elk.
I second that, Whitey. See my #32.
#33