Hunting and livestock groups, and their Republican allies in the legislature, contend not enough of the 1,200 wolves in Montana are being killed by hunters to limit their impact on big game outfitters or cattle and sheep producers.
The bill was sponsored by GOP state Sen. Bob Brown, who said there are too many wolves in his mountainous district in northwestern Montana.
The reimbursement program is similar to one in Idaho, where a private group pays its members up to $1,000 for costs incurred while scouting, hunting or trapping wolves.
Opponents argued there are tourists who come to Montana to see wolves and if too many are killed, they will return to protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Last week, Gianforte signed bills to allow the snaring of wolves, in addition to trapping; and another one to extend the wolf hunting season.
Lawmakers have also forwarded to the governor a bill to allow individuals to kill an unlimited number of wolves, hunt at night with artificial lights and night vision scopes and use bait to lure wolves into traps.
In Idaho, a bill that would allow the state to hire private contractors to reduce the wolf population from about 1,500 to 150 is quickly moving through the legislature. It allows the use of night-vision equipment to kill wolves as well as hunting from snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, among other changes.
Backers cite cattle and sheep deaths that cost ranchers hundreds of thousands of dollars, while opponents say the legislation threatens a 2002 wolf management plan involving the federal government.
And then we have the idiots in Colorado...
two subjects came up during the QandA.
1. the answer was NO when asked about wolves controlling CWD. This was one of the subjects the Pro wolfers used stating the wolves will help in the controlling CWD.
2. the answer was NO when asked about Wolf Tourism and was there other places other than Yellowstone NP, that would benefit from wolf tourism. Another subject the pro wolfers used to sell their message.
3. the answer was NO when the subject of Trophic Cascade was addressed. It can happen in a very small area but not over a large environment, Hard to study and evaluate.. This disputes the pro wolfers claim that, per the Ballot Initiative, "once established in Colorado, the gray wolf will help in the critical balance of nature" Another subject the pro wolfers used to sell their message.
4. both researches stated, 'do not be surprised that wolves will travel 100s of miles, and may be found east of the Divide over time. ' That travel may include Wyoming and Utah and eastern Colorado.
Big game population crashes?
Cost per year in livestock damages?
Lost revenue to state game and fish organizations due to reduced license sales?
Impacts to small communities due to lost revenue from fewer hunters?
Anything positive about wolves?
The bill passed the Senate and House with enough votes to overcome a veto. Lawmakers who sponsored the measure said they want the state’s wolf population reduced to the allowed minimum of 150 to reduce attacks on livestock and to boost deer and elk herds.
