01/05/05 Idaho to have more control over wolves

The Department of Interior isn't turning wolf management back to the states, but rules released this week will allow Idaho and Montana ranchers more flexibility to harass and kill wolves that attack their animals. HUFFAKER "We've been given now an opportunity to demonstrate that we can manage wolves as the state of Idaho. We need to prove up." Idaho Fish and Game Director Steve Huffaker says his agency has been working for six months to prepare for this. The rule goes into effect in 30 days. HUFFAKER "We've had field training exercises for our field officers and biologists on how to deal with wolf complaints and how to deal with depredation, what to tell people, what not to tell 'em." 14 wolves were reintroduced into central Idaho in 1995 but today that number has grown to 420 wolves in the state. Huffaker says many hunters believe that wolves are a threat to Idaho deer and elk herds. HUFFAKER "There are some areas where we've had chronic problems with cow calf ratios and bull cow ratios and we'll look at those first. And then if it looks strong enough we will petition the Fish and Wildlife Service to take some action." Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott