Elk outlook is great reading, especially when compared to views that wolves have killed most of the elk in Idaho, WY, and MT-
Elk hunters and all wildlife enthusiasts will find this fascinating reading for all the states and provinces.
2009 Elk Hunting Forecast.By Jack Ballard. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
For the 3 western states with significant wolves, pay close attention, and compare with the data from RMEF’s 2008 forecast.
2008 Elk Hunt Forecast. By Justin Karnopp. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Estimated elk population for the 3 wolf states-
Wyoming
2008 95,000
2009 105,000
– – –
Montana
2008 150,000
2009 150,000
– – –
Idaho
2008 115,000
2009 107,000
So elk population up in WY, stable in Montana, and down a bit in Idaho. This doesn’t mean wolves don’t have local population reduction effects, but in Montana and Wyoming they are offset by some other factors. It doesn’t mean that Idaho’s overall drop is the sole product of wolves.
Of course, when you compare other states with no wolves, there are similar stability or change figures. C0lorado has by far the most elk, 280,000, but also shows a drop of 12,000 from 2008 to 2009. I think Nevada shows the largest percentage gain of any state with a significantly large elk population.
Comments
These population fluctuations are more a result of winter kill impacts and the decisions made about available tags in relationship to the population goals for each herd in each state. Colorado had the large drop because they purposely hunted the population down last year towards their stated goals. They have serious elk agricultural predation concerns as a result of that huge population. I have seen as many as 2000 elk in one swirling herd near Craig, CO, acting just like a school of herring.
RMEF is no fan of the wolf, but neither are they extremist about it either. Their view is that once delisted (whatever standards need to be met to accomplish that) the wolf should be managed as a game animal to achieve desired population levels and stability. The web site http://www.rmef.org has extensive wolf position documentation. As a side note, RMEF’s extensive habitat preservation activities cannot but help preserve wolf populations as well given the commonality of the habitats.
Yes,
I have mixed feelings about the RMEF. They do great work buying habitat for elk, which helps many other animals including wolves.
I was unhappy with their wolf position, but I’m sure it was pretty much forced on them by their membership — something any organization that depends on its members has to ultimately obey.
I dropped my membership to RMEF when they came out with a anit-wolf stance about 5 years ago. Prior to that RMEF avoided politics and simply conserved habitat, that as you mentioned benefited all fish and wildlife. Now that wolf numbers are up and on paper ID and MT have taken a reasoned approach to their hunts I might rejoin, I miss reading Bugle, their bi monthly publication…elk season is nearly upon us! How many wolves do you think will be shot today?
Ralph, I can assure you that there was great debate internally about the wolf issue. It is one of those polarizing issues that can run away with an organization. Your assessment is right on in my opinion.
I find that even RMEF members, who tend to be a bit more conservation minded and wildlife informed than the average person, have some very stereotypic views about the wolf that have been fueled by the popular outdoor press. Of course, some of the pro-wolf extremism gets shoved at them as well with the desired effect. That damn pendulum never stops in the middle…
Jeff, the latest Bugle is a “wolf” issue…
I thought the latest issue of Bugle (RMEF mag) had some thought provoking wolf articles by Hal Herring, Val Geist, and Ed Bangs… I was tempted to send an email to the eds to tell them it was the best issue since they tilted way right during the Bush admin. I didn’t agree with everything that was written, but at least it was a thorough discussion.
I think you’ll see the positions get a bit more centered now that their is a hunting season in place. I actually dropped my membership to REMF a few years back when they wouldn’t take a stand as did alot of other hunters. I’m back on the rolls now though.
Maybe we can trade some elk from Colorado for some wolves from Idaho..RMNP is overrun with elk, and there is enough space there for wolves…~S~
Ralph, I also do not like RMEF’s view on wolves. I did think it was interesting that someone stated that the wolves had not eaten all of the elk in Idaho.
JimT, Colorado could use wolves for its elk population.
Colorado has nearly as many Elk by itself as Wyo-Mont-Idaho combined. Well north of 300,000 anyway.
My retired ecologist friend who used to work for Dept. of Interior calls west central Colorado ” Wolf Heaven” , and would drop Grizzlies into the San Juans in a heartbeat..
Dewey, I think that part of Colorado would certainly be wolf haven. It would probably be the best place to put wolves in the western US, along with a few grizz…
ProWolf in WY,
Did you see Jeff E’s post of this URL http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.2193/2006-305 and my analysis of it?
Thank-you for the link Ralph.
Ryan wrote. September 1, 2009 at 10:34 AM
“I think you’ll see the positions get a bit more centered now [positions of RMEF] that their is a hunting season in place. I actually dropped my membership to REMF a few years back when they wouldn’t take a stand as did alot of other hunters. I’m back on the rolls now though.”
Funny, I was going to join them until they took the position they did. Organizations can get whipsawed no matter what they do.