State to always have at least one area open to wolf hunting-

New rules! Idaho has decided in effect to always have at least one place in the state open to wolf hunting on a rotating basis. This is in addition to the general wolf hunt that goes for about half a year. Wolf hunting began July 1 this year on private land in northern Idaho. The general wolf hunt will begin Aug. 30 and go until March 31. However, some units will remain open until June 30. Then on July 1, 2013 private land in northern Idaho will again open.

Under the new rules, there is no limit on how many wolves can be killed in total except in 5 wolf hunting units. For example, the Island Park wolf hunting unit adjacent to Yellowstone Park will have a limit (quota) of 30 wolves. Previous wolf counts, however, make it doubtful that 30 wolves live there unless they can catch some Yellowstone Park wolves temporarily out of the Park.

In most parts of the state, wolf hunters can buy up to five wolf tags a per season. Wolf trappers will also be able to buy 5 wolf trapping tags in a season, though not all of the state will be open to wolf trapping. Some units allow only 2 wolf tags a season for hunting and trapping. The wolf trapping season generally begins Nov. 15

2012-13-Idaho-wolf-hunt-rules

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Updated on the 4th of July. Wolves still under fire. One wolf season ends, another opens. By Bill Buley.Coeur d’Alene Press. “Phil Cooper, Idaho Fish and Game regional conservation officer, said people have found wolves are very difficult to hunt and very difficult to trap. “We certainly want to see numbers reduced,” he said. “We’re hopeful that the one year of experience trappers have had will make them a little more proficient at catching wolves.”

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Our Commentary

Contrary to what the Fish and Game officer says, wolves turned out to be easy to trap in Idaho. If wolves are difficult to hunt, by all means make it easier. Let’s make sure any spark of wildness in Idaho is reduced to the most feeble glow. Ralph Maughan