Why Hunt Wolves

Last week 6 wolves were killed in the LoLo wilderness of Idaho and Fish and Game spokesman Roger Phillips told me the a primary reason for that was to reduce predation on elk and livestock. In Idaho, wolf hunting is allowed, the tags are cheap and yet the response by the hunting community has not exactly been overwhelming when it comes to wolves. As a lot of you know, I do a television show on the Outdoor Channel and it puts me in touch with hundreds of sportsmen from around the country. When sitting around in the Lodge with a cold beverage of our choice, I often bring up Wolf hunting in Idaho and the guys I'm talking to just about come out of their seats with enthusiasm. Well there's another look at this if you are not excited about the wolf hunt itself. Think about what you're doing for livestock... Example sheep. Idaho Wildlife Services State Director Todd Grimm and I had a discussion: "How often does this happen where wolves prey on sheep? It's a lot. So you're saying that an attack can result in the deaths of more than one animal? Yes. Usually when it is sheep, it is almost always multiple animals because sheep are herded together so tight and wolves come, not necessarily in packs but at least in numbers. They attack and bite at will." And not always for food. Wolves are pack animals and oftentimes attacks are nothing more than training exercises for their cubs.