Bill to kill up to 90% of Idaho wolves heads to governor

[TexasTowelie]

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho House on Tuesday approved legislation allowing the state to hire private contractors and expand methods to kill wolves roaming Idaho — a measure that could cut the wolf population by 90%.

Lawmakers voted 58-11 to send the agriculture industry-backed bill to Republican Gov. Brad Little. The fast-tracked bill that allows the use of night-vision equipment to kill wolves as well as hunting from snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, among other measures, passed the Senate last week.

Backers said changes to Idaho law could help reduce the wolf population from about 1,500 to 150, alleviating wolf attacks on cattle, sheep and wildlife.

"We have areas of the state where the wolves are having a real detrimental impact on our wildlife," said House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, one of the bill's sponsors. "They are hurting the herds, elk and deer. This allows the Wolf (Depredation) Control Board and others to control them, also, which we have not done in the past."

Read more: https://www.startribune.com/bill-to-kill-up-to-90-of-idaho-wolves-heads-to-governor/600050946/
(Minneapolis Star Tribune)

[Duppers]

1. "Detrimental impact on our wildlife," - BULLSHIT!!

Folks, watch this:

And write or call Idaho Gov. Brad Little here:

https://gov.idaho.gov/contact-us/

[Duppers]

4. Suggested letter text from "Defenders of Wildlife" Assoc. ..

Dear Governor Little,

Thank you for considering my comment on SB 1211, which moved through the legislature in less than a week. I am opposed to this bill and hope that you will stand with the thousands of Idaho residents who do not wish for the wanton destruction that this bill proposes.

Idaho worked in agreement with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a plan to maintain healthy and self-sustaining populations of wolves. This legislation would effectively allow the wholesale slaughter of wolves, knocking them down to the bare minimum viable population of 150 wolves. Scientific research has demonstrated that severely destabilizing wolf packs, as this bill would allow, exacerbates depredation issues.

Once the statewide population falls below the threshold of 150 individuals, wolves will return to the endangered species list and management will return to the federal government. Wolves as an apex predator, play a crucial part in maintaining ecosystem function and structure, having a cascade of positive effects for numerous wildlife species, including ungulates. For example, wolves play a vital role that sportsmen typically do not in reducing potential for the spread of ungulate diseases by removing weak individuals from the herd.

In addition to eroding the ecological integrity of the landscape by removing apex predators to this degree and at this rate, this bill runs the risk of eroding the critical role of IDFG in managing the resource and the public’s confidence in the agency to do so. Of prime importance, the Idaho Fish & Game Commission voted to oppose this bill. As IDFG acts as the current managers of wolves in the state, the opinion of this body should be respected and valued. Furthermore, if the Idaho legislature wishes to manage wildlife for Idahoans, then this bill will effectively remove that power in short order.

Unfortunately, this bill was presented without consulting USFWS, without considering the views and opinions of Idaho’s non-consumptive wildlife users, and with limited opportunity for public comment and input. This myopic effort to severely reduce wolf populations will only perpetuate the cycle of killing, foregoing the opportunity to implement long-lasting, science-based methods to facilitate both wildlife and livestock stability and resiliency. In brief, SB 1211 has been rushed and it is shortsighted in its mission.

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope you will act to oppose this bill that will have adverse effects for wildlife and government relations.

Sincerely,

Thanks, Folks, for writing! 🙏

I've written but he needs to hear from everyone with compassion for these beautiful beings.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Unbearable. Addicted to the sense of power they have over helpless, innocent smaller creatures.

I couldn't hate them more.

Truly time for divine intervention. If only.

[North Shore Chicago]

3. The worst news ever.

Republicans would hunt women and children if they could get away with it. All of this planets precious beings has a place of importance, well....except maybe republicans.

Animal rights groups and wolf protectors unite!

[Lovie777]

5. I don't think GOD intended for man to kill his creations for pleasure . .

It's not about reducing the wolves' population and that's my opinion. They are even gonna killed pregnant wolves and pups as well. UGH.

[mopinko]

6. this is the same "logic"

that got them wiped out in the 1st place.
they were killed because they were competing w human hunters.

but, surprise. no predators, you get sick 'game' animals. and fewer of them.

idiots.