BOISE, Idaho - A bill that would allow Idaho ranchers to use aircraft and live-bait traps to hunt problem wolves is headed to the Senate.

The legislation would let livestock producers track and kill the predators with the aid of powered parachutes, helicopters, other motorized vehicles or live bait for 36 hours after an attack.

The Senate Resources and Environment Committee voted 7-2 Wednesday to advance the legislation.

Permits would be required to hunt wolf packs aerially and to continue hunting for 60 days following an attack.

Sponsor Sen. Jeff Siddoway, a sheep rancher from Terreton, says ranchers need new tools to stop the costly losses from the growing wolf population.

Democratic Sen. Michelle Stennett of Ketchum says those new tools could risk putting wolves back on the federal endangered species list.

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