>LAST EDITED ON Mar-04-14
>AT 04:03?PM (MST)
>
>To restore elk in the Lolo/Lochsa
>area, its going to take
>more than shooting a few
>wolves.
>
>In particular since black bears and
>lions are the leading predators
>on calf elk. They're trying
>to kill more predators in
>general there, but that country
>doesnt lend itself to the
>fat and lazy finding success.
>
>
>Further, the habitat of the upper
>Lochsa/Selway/Lolo area has been in
>a steady decline since the
>80's.
>
>You want to increase elk populations
>there, its going to take
>some things that really shake
>up forest succession...be it through
>large scale treatment by man
>or nature...or both.
>
>Things change in 100 years...and not
>always for the better.
The Lolo is now obviously well below carrying capacity, in fact at least 80% below.
Shooting these wolves will save 16 elk per year per wolf for the life expectancy of that wolf not to mention the breeding capacity of the pack.
IDF&G has already given more liberal bear, and lion seasons in the Lolo. Combine increased lion & bear take with this wolf control action, and I would say that the new elk plan and predator management plan could make for a big step in the right direction for elk in the Lolo.