BPKHunter
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,749
I was curious so I looked up some raw numbers and it looks like the harvest and population of wolves in Idaho has crested and now below peak numbers.
Looking at report from back in 2013 and then the most recent listed harvest stat's on IDFG website:
Estimated individual population seemed to grow steadily until 2008 where it peaked just over 850. Most recent report I saw for 2013 was about 660.
Harvest starting in 09, grew from ~175 in 09/10, and grew to a peak of 355 in 2013, then down to 302 last year and now 249 with a few weeks to go and likely litte change.
I myself have not seen a wolf in 3 years, but have been serenaded a few nights and seen the occassional track, usually a little farther from the main roads than prior to the first season opened in 09. From 06-09, I saw wolf tracks very regularly on the Middle Fork of the Boise in Nov-Feb, and in Unit 32 while Chukar Hunting.
I'm guessing at our current management pace we won't see overall population numbers go down a lot from here, but I think we'll have less sightings during the daylight and closer to population centers as the wolves are learning that man, and things related to man like roads and homes, is to be feared.
I'm not a wolf hater, but I buy a tag every year and wouldn't hesitate to shoot one. I know others feel different and respect that, but roughly 6 years into managment, I think we have seen some positive changes since just prior to the seasons opening. I think real credit needs to be given to the trappers, who seem to have the biggest impacts.
Looking at report from back in 2013 and then the most recent listed harvest stat's on IDFG website:
Estimated individual population seemed to grow steadily until 2008 where it peaked just over 850. Most recent report I saw for 2013 was about 660.
Harvest starting in 09, grew from ~175 in 09/10, and grew to a peak of 355 in 2013, then down to 302 last year and now 249 with a few weeks to go and likely litte change.
I myself have not seen a wolf in 3 years, but have been serenaded a few nights and seen the occassional track, usually a little farther from the main roads than prior to the first season opened in 09. From 06-09, I saw wolf tracks very regularly on the Middle Fork of the Boise in Nov-Feb, and in Unit 32 while Chukar Hunting.
I'm guessing at our current management pace we won't see overall population numbers go down a lot from here, but I think we'll have less sightings during the daylight and closer to population centers as the wolves are learning that man, and things related to man like roads and homes, is to be feared.
I'm not a wolf hater, but I buy a tag every year and wouldn't hesitate to shoot one. I know others feel different and respect that, but roughly 6 years into managment, I think we have seen some positive changes since just prior to the seasons opening. I think real credit needs to be given to the trappers, who seem to have the biggest impacts.
