In its misguided campaign to continue decimating Idaho wolf population, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is proposing a rule that would allow hunters to bait and shoot wolves—thus making Idaho the only state in the country to allow this barbarity.
Idaho is currently home to an estimated 800 or fewer wolves—a number that may drop to as low as 150 or fewer if proposals to reduce their populations are allowed. Already, hunters and trappers may by right legally kill up to ten wolves per person per year, and IDFG regularly kills wolves in connection with livestock depredations. This slaughter has halted growth of the Idaho wolf population, and may very well lead to its decline—although that is difficult to assess because the state has cut back on counting wolves, and has yet to release an estimated population count for 2016. This continued wanton killing of wolves in Idaho is unjustifiable, and you can help end it by joining us in opposing passage of this ethically indefensible and ecologically reckless rule.
The vote on this rule is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26. If you have not yet taken action on this issue, there’s still time—just click here to express your opinion on this issue (it only takes a few minutes to make your voice heard!).
If you’re not sure what to say, here are some suggestions:
- I am [vehemently] opposed to the proposed rule allowing baiting wolves in Idaho. Much of the land this rule would cover is public land, and as a person who appreciates wildlands and wildlife, I am against using bait to lure wolves and their young to their death.
- Wolves are critically important to maintaining healthy and diverse ecosystems. Among other ecological benefits they provide, wolves help keep elk and deer populations healthy by culling diseased individuals.
- Baiting wolves is not allowed in any other state, and should not be allowed in Idaho.
Thank you for speaking out for wolves! Please share this alert with friends & family, as numbers matter and we need to show national opposition to this outrageous proposal!
For the Wild,
Camilla Fox
Founder & Executive Director