Called patch occupancy modeling (POM), FWP has used the statistical approach in recent years along with the minimum counts. The method, which is much less expensive, uses deer and elk hunter observations coupled with information from radio-collared wolves to estimate population and range.

FWP will continue the minimum count for a couple of years along with the modeling, Vore said. The department knows that because the minimum count only documents wolf observations, the difficulty of counting higher populations in difficult terrain means wolves are significantly undercounted, he added.

Eventually graduating to patch occupancy modeling should provide a truer count as shown in current research, Vore said.

“We’ll continue (minimum counts) until we get our POM very refined and robust,” he said. “It speaks to how the minimum count has really fallen behind with what we’ve needed with growing populations and some staffing issues. We’re very excited to have a more realistic population estimate.”

The end of federal oversight also means the loss of some funding, but Vore noted the cost savings associated with patch occupancy modeling. While FWP will continue to employ wolf specialists, the minimum counts require more seasonal employees and time in air planes not necessary with modeling.

Reporter Tom Kuglin can be reached at 447-4076 or tom.kuglin@helenair.com

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