Reducing Conflicts Between Dogs and Wolves in Idaho

This brochure is intended to provide dog owners with information that may help them avoid or reduce the likelihood of conflicts with wolves, and circumstances under which dog owners may kill a wolf attacking their dog. It’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of wolf-dog conflicts in wolf habitat, but dog owners can take several precautions when walking dogs or hunting with hounds.

Selected Excerpts:

When walking dogs:

- Keep dogs on a leash when walking in wolf habitat if possible – dogs running loose, away from people may attract wolves.

- If dog runs loose, bring a leash to restrain the dog if wolves or wolf sign are encountered.

- Be able to recognize wolf sign. Wolves are particularly territorial around den and rendezvous sites and kills; knowing how to recognize the signs associated with these areas will help avoid them.

- People who live near wolves should kennel their dogs or bring them in at night. Wolves are most active during the evening and early morning, and most conflicts with domestic dogs occur at this time. Also, don’t leave food out that may attract wolves, bears or other unwelcome guests.

- Make noise or place a bell on the dog collar to alert wolves that humans are associated with the dog. Wolves are more likely to avoid contact with a dog when they are aware of humans nearby.

Link to 190 Kb PDF File:
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/living/dogs.pdf

If you are not mad enough already, check out this biased video by PBS.
http://video.pbs.org/video/1424727683#

Not only is this a one sided report, it is outright blatant pro wolf. If you watch it, post a comment to PBS of your reaction to their Soviet style reporting.

Idaho Fish and Game investigating wolf kill
Associated Press - March 7, 2010 6:44 PM ET

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) - Idaho Fish and Game officials say they hope to use DNA evidence to determine whether a wolf kill actually took place in the hunting zone in which it was reported.

Fish and Game Conservation Officer Lauren Wendt says there is no evidence anything illegal occurred, but that the reported kill is suspicious because there have never been any wolf sightings near where the hunter reported the kill.

The kill was reported Dec. 28 in the Southern Idaho Zone, in a hunting unit that stretches from Rexburg down past Ririe, Ucon, Rigby and Roberts.

The Idaho State Journal reports that the hunting zone where the hunter lives had already reached its wolf kill quota and was closed at the time of the reported kill.

Information from: Idaho State Journal, http://www.journalnet.com


Be smart, people!

Idaho F&G
I've got nothing to do until archery season...
Give me a unlimited supply of tags, I will pay my
own expenses and spend the summer in the Lolo zone
thanks
n

op-ed: lolo zone in perspective

By Cal Groen, Director, Idaho Department of Fish and Game March 8, 2010

The Lolo elk herd is in trouble. The latest counts put the herd at 2,178 with poor survival of the cows and calves needed to replenish the herd.

Idaho Fish and Game is committed to saving the Lolo herd and keeping Idaho's other elk herds healthy.

The elk situation in the Lolo elk management zone didn't happen overnight. The Lolo elk herd had glory days after major fires in the early 1900s created phenomenal elk habitat in the Clearwater Region. Elk numbers peaked at 16,000 in the 1980s. But re-growth of brush and forest turned great elk habitat into poor habitat. Predation by bears and mountain lions took its toll.

Following the severe winter of 1996-1997, Lolo elk numbers dropped by nearly half. When the population didn't rebound, Idaho Fish and Game took aggressive steps. We drastically reduced hunter numbers, and ended all cow harvest. We increased bear and lion hunting opportunities to reduce predation. We worked with other partners to improve habitat. Elk numbers started increasing.

Then wolves took over and became the leading cause of Lolo elk deaths. It wasn't until May of last year that the state could finally manage wolves. By then, the balance of elk and wolves in the Lolo Zone was completely out of whack. Extreme predation on adult females and calves means not enough calves survive to replace the adults that die each year.

Idaho began taking steps to reduce wolf numbers with its first regulated wolf hunt starting September 1, 2009. But hunters in the steep, brushy Lolo country have had limited success, taking just 11 wolves of the Lolo zone harvest limit of 27 to date.

With the latest Lolo elk numbers, it is clear more aggressive wolf management is needed to restore the herd. State wildlife managers will recommend significant changes to wolf seasons in the Lolo and other elk-depressed zones, consistent with the 2008-2012 Idaho Wolf Management Plan. These management tools could include increased harvest limits, multiple tags, trapping, and asking outfitters to help reduce wolf numbers.

Even with fewer wolves, changes in the landscape make it unlikely Lolo elk will return to the all-time highs of the 1980s. But Fish and Game will do what it takes to restore the health of the Lolo herd. For many of us, it's more than just professional interest; this herd has personal significance to many Idaho wildlife managers. And finding the right balance for our big game herds and other wildlife is at the heart of Fish and Game's mission.

F&G Press release