Prey populations don't necessarily have to decrease. What happens is it changes the age structure and productivity/survival of some age classes of the population which can actually result in an increase in production by the elk herd. This is a theory of course assuming 100% great habitat etc. Generally you end up with less elk total or more elk total but in both cases a higher yearly surplus which means we can harvest more in the long run.


Like I've said already. When we correct the human caused issues (habitat loss, habitat degredation from fire suppression specifically), there won't be a problem with predation. When elk herds have quality habitat and can produce a decent yearly surplus of animals we won't have the problems we are having now.

In my opinion as a biologist:

In Idaho the biggest factors in depression of the elk herds are

1) habitat degredation: a long history of fire supression and decrease in timber sales equals less forage for elk. Simple as that. Elk need disturbance to open up the canopy and generate forbs,seral shrubs etc.



2) low calf survival: In the studies I have been involved in and read, black bears are responsible for over 80% of calf mortality (80% is also about the total pecent of the calves we lose every year)....that's our yearly surplus going down the drain right there. This is affecting elk tags also. For the first time since I've been alive, they have limited the number of elk tags issued.

Do wolves kill calves? I'm sure a few at least yes.

Are they to blame for the decrease? No.

Are they compounding the problem? Probably.

Is there anything we, as hunters, can do? Not really. Support elk habitat initiatives and stop fearmongering.

My point is elk herds have been declining in alot of places in the west. Mainly due to habitat loss and fire supression before wolves even started to effect them. Basically, they are just becoming a scape goat for the non-scientific community.

Unless habitat is managed properly we will have to deal with harvesting less elk.