Montana shows Wyoming how it is done...

[JoseCuervo]

Too bad the Wyoming gang refuses to acknowledge reality, and learn how to deal with the Wolves. We are missing lots of good hunting, while waiting...

- Montana's wildlife agency is preparing to join the federal government in management of federally protected wolves, the ultimate aim being to speed delisting of the animals. "We're going to take it slow, but with the federal funds recently made available we can expand the state's role while we continue to work toward the rapid federal delisting of the gray wolf in our region," said Jeff Hagener, director of the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Among other things, he said, the $425,000 now available for summer work and additional funding expected later will allow the agency to participate in day-to-day management activities. That would include wolf counting and marking and helping livestock producers with wolf problems, Hagener said.

The legal groundwork was completed last week to allow the wolf management cooperation by amending various documents. Officials noted the changes don't allow for any hunting or trapping of wolves.

Montana's plan to conserve and manage the state's recovered wolf population was approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service earlier this year.

To take wolves off the threatened species list and transfer full management authority to the states, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming must each have federally approved plans. The plans by Montana and Idaho were approved, but Wyoming has yet to reach agreement with the federal agency and last month filed suit over rejection of the state's plan.

"Delisting, and integrating wolves into Montana's wildlife management programs, is our ultimate objective," Hagener said. "We're in a position now that will allow our wildlife biologists, game wardens and our communications and education professionals to begin to learn more about wolves and their management."

Hagener said that by taking advantage of federal funding, Montana is in a better position to cope with living with wolves instead of watching from the sidelines until delisting.

Ed Bangs, who directs federal wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, said Montana's involvement in wolf management will be good for wolves and the people who live with wolves every day.

"Montana could be afforded even more management flexibility under rule changes now being considered," Bangs said. "We are encouraged by Montana's willingness to participate in wolf management before delisting and we'll do what we can to ensure a smooth transition."

 

[pawclaws]

Why do the head counters need to be paid? Why don't the hunters do the count? Or is it the fact that hunters in this area can not learn to count?