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Idaho Wolf Hunt Scheduled

Idaho Fish and Game

Idaho --(AmmoLand.com)- After they were nearly wiped out in the lower 48 states, wolves in Idaho were declared endangered in 1974 under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 1987 recovery plan for wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains included reintroducing them in central Idaho in 1995 and 1996.

Since then, Idaho has been involved in wolf management as directed by the Legislature, which in 2002, adopted the Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. Under the plan Idaho Fish and Game would be responsible for wolf management following delisting.

In February 2005, the Fish and Wildlife Service revised the rules that govern the experimental non-essential population of reintroduced wolves in Idaho south of Interstate 90. The change eased wolf management rules and gave Idaho a greater role in wolf management.

In January 2006, an agreement between Idaho and the U.S. Department of Interior designated the state as an agent for day-to-day wolf management for the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wolves were removed from the endangered species list on May 4, 2009. Idaho Fish and Game has taken over management under 2008 state law, the 2002 wolf management plan and the 2008 Wolf Population Management Plan. Wolves will be managed as big game animals, similar to black bears and mountain lions. Hunting seasons will be set by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.

About:
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission was created by public initiative in 1938. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor (no more than four may be from the same political party) for staggered four-year terms. Each commissioner is confirmed by the Idaho State Senate. In 1996, the Senate approved adding a seventh district to the existing six to meet the needs of Idaho’s regions. The seven commissioners, each representing a different region of the state, are responsible for administering the fish and game policy of the state.

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Antelope Licenses Adjusted For Harding, Perkins SD

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. –-(AmmoLand.com)- A tough winter and low reproduction this summer has resulted in a lower then expected antelope population in northwestern South Dakota, and that will mean fewer licenses available to hunters.

Aerial surveys were conducted during the month of May and June to estimate the number of adult antelope. However another important aspect in estimating the antelope population in South Dakota is a count of the number of fawns per doe, which is not available at the time that the Game, Fish and Parks commission sets the antelope season.

Substantially lower recruitment rates obtained in recent doe/fawn antelope surveys, coupled with lower overall antelope numbers has prompted GFP to eliminate all unsold licenses remaining after the first two drawings for Harding and Perkins counties, where current estimates show a considerable drop in the antelope population compared to 2008.

“Over the past few years we have attempted to increase harvest due to high antelope numbers in the northwest corner of the state,” GFP Terrestrial Program Administrator Chad Switzer said. “Because of that effort and abundant antelope, hunters have had many opportunities in Harding and Perkins County to harvest antelope.”

A few areas have an increased antelope population, but overall, numbers have decreased approximately 20 percent throughout their range. Surveys in Harding and Perkins counties indicate as much as a 50 percent decline.

“Through the years we have seen our antelope numbers rise and fall, often in the span of a short period of time,” Switzer said, adding that allowing the initial sale of licenses to proceed will still provide hunting opportunity and help keep the antelope population in check.

“Even though the challenge of an antelope hunt will be greater this year then last, South Dakota still has one of the best antelope populations in the country” Switzer said. “The prairie is as lush as it has been in some time. It will be a great chance to leave your vehicle parked, and walk in and enjoy a truly unique hunting experience. As always, hunters should be sure to get permission before hunting on any private land.”

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