Idaho · Big game · Livestock · Backcountry
Wolf101 exists for one purpose: removing wolves from Idaho's landscape down to the lowest level the law allows, so elk herds recover, ranch families stop losing stock, and Idaho keeps control of its own wildlife.
The case
Gray wolves were released into central Idaho by the federal government in 1995 and 1996. They hit the recovery goal years ago and kept growing. These are the reasons we believe the population has to come down hard.
Hunters and Fish and Game spent decades building elk and deer herds. In backcountry zones like the Lolo, Idaho Fish and Game itself points to wolf predation as a drag on elk numbers. The Foundation for Wildlife Management estimates a single wolf can take around 20 big game animals a year.
Wolves kill cattle, sheep, guard dogs and working dogs. Every confirmed loss means a federal investigation, and plenty of losses are never found or never confirmed. Ranchers carry stress, extra labor and lost weight gain on stock that's been harassed, not only the carcasses.
Idaho funds a Wolf Depredation Control Board to pay for lethal removal after attacks. Fewer wolves means fewer attacks, fewer investigations and less public money spent cleaning up after them.
Outfitters, guides, motels, gas stations and sporting goods stores in small Idaho towns depend on healthy elk and deer hunting. When herds drop, hunters and their money go elsewhere.
Wolves are territorial and treat dogs as rivals. Hunters running hounds, people walking dogs on public land, and families with dogs near wolf country all carry that risk.
Wolves were placed here by federal decision. Since 2011 Idaho has managed them as big game, and the Legislature has voted repeatedly to cut their numbers. Reducing wolves aggressively while staying above the federal floor keeps that authority in Idaho's hands.
Where we are vs. where we're headed
Idaho's plan aims for about 500 wolves. The federal recovery floor is 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs. Dropping below that floor would invite federal relisting and hand control back to Washington, so the goal is to push numbers down as far as the law allows without crossing it.
Know your target
Misidentifying a wolf wastes a tag, and shooting the wrong animal can be a violation. Both are drawn to the same scale here.
Tracks: a wolf's front track usually runs 4 to 5 inches long, about twice the size of a coyote's. Find tracks like that in elk country and wolves are working the area.
Get involved
Every one of these is legal under Idaho law today. Pick the ones that fit you.
Wolf tags are inexpensive and sold over the counter to residents and nonresidents. Idaho law puts no limit on how many wolf tags you can buy, and seasons are long, with year-round hunting on private land in much of the state. Carry a tag every time you're in elk country.
Idaho Fish and Game wolf huntingTrappers take more wolves than rifle hunters do. Idaho requires a wolf trapper education class and a trapping license. Take the class, learn from an experienced trapper, and run a legal line.
Trapping education and licensingF4WM is an Idaho-based nonprofit that reimburses its member hunters and trappers for expenses after a legal, state-verified wolf harvest. Donations, memberships and banquet tickets go into that reimbursement pool.
Foundation for Wildlife ManagementThe Wolf Depredation Control Board depends on yearly funding from the Legislature. Call or write your state senator and representatives, and the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, and ask them to fully fund wolf control.
Find your Idaho legislatorsThe Commission sets wolf seasons, methods and limits. Submit public comments in support of longer seasons and expanded methods, and attend meetings when wolf rules are on the agenda.
Fish and Game CommissionIf you own land, give permission to licensed wolf hunters and trappers. If you run livestock, report every suspected wolf kill right away to USDA Wildlife Services so control actions can be authorized.
USDA Wildlife ServicesBy the book
Poaching hands opponents their best argument and can cost you your hunting privileges, your rifle and your truck. Every wolf taken has to be legal.