As this debate continues,I honestly can see both sides of the argument. I am not pro-wolf by any means, but I am also not anti-wolf. I've lived in Idaho most of my life. I DID NOT support the wolf re-introduction because I felt it was a poor plan promoted by atreehugger agenda. I saw my first wolf5 years ago following a sheep herd. Since then I have seen 5 more and heard them several times.I listen to hunters and ranchers reports about the "kill happy" wolf packs, but haven't witnessed it first hand. I've talked to a sheepherder who spent many a sleepless night defending his herd against a nearby wolf pack. I know that much of the predation control on domestic animal attackshas been very reactive and absolutely lacking in proactivity. [/align][/align]Thearticle posted on this thread stated that there are over 800 wolves in Montana & Idaho, with 700 in Idaho alone.Mostconcentrated inthe Yellowstone and Central Idaho area. Do you know what avast area that is?? I've talked to hunters thatreport wolf sightings fromthe Salmon, Challis & Mackay area, thru Sun Valley,around Atlanta, up thru McCall & Council, up to Riggins, and around Elk City. This is a VAST area. I also believe the 700 count is very low. More than likely over 1000 to 1500or more.[/align][/align]You also have to think about thenumbers generated each year from a litter.Ifout of 700Idaho wolves 1/4 are breeding females, that's 125 females.Each female has 4 pups, that'san additional 500 new wolves. Do the math and you see how this population will escalate exponentially. [/align][/align]An Idaho Fish and Game report last year stated that since the re-introduction of the wolves the elk herds in Idaho have declined by 30%. I'm sure there are many other environmental issues that caused this reduction, but with the escalating wolf population yousimply cannot rule out this coincidence.[/align][/align]We here in Idaho are at a point of "too little to late". There is absolutely no reason these wolves should be a protected species here, and I am glad that State control is at hand. Unfortunately it is coming in a bit late, and once again reactive. It seems it has forced many ethical hunters to take the illegal approach of shoot, shovel, and shut up to try to curb the wolf population.[/align][/align]Money always seems to be an issue as well. Here is an idea... Start offering wolf tags! What better way to generate needed money than toopen up controlled hunt wolf tags.I read the post from our Canadian brothers about how they don't see the problem. Well, that's because you get to hunt wolves under your game management plans. We Idaho hunters can't touch a wolf without the serious financial repercussions it will create. You make a wolf tag, and you will generate more money in one season than all the imposed fines already given out for illegal wolf killings combined.[/align][/align]Just my opinion, and like buttholes, everyone's got one....[/align]