hunters have to learn to share elk with other predators and realize that herd buildup of past 50 years reached unnatural levels that is hard on plants, land and water

Fish and Game Study: Elk numbers holding strong despite wolves

by Deb Courson
Thursday, August 5, 2010 2:09 PM CDT

BOISE, Idaho - An Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) census of Idaho's elk shows that across most of the state, numbers are holding steady - even when considering the impact of wolves. And a closer look at the numbers shows that just because a lot wolves live in an area, it doesn't automatically mean elk populations there are low. In fact, in three zones with high wolf densities, cow elk populations are above target levels.

IDFG deputy director Jim Unsworth says this study is designed to be part of ongoing research to help manage elk and wolf populations.

"Wolves are having an impact on elk, but the impact varies depending on the elk herd. In some areas, they're having a bigger impact, and in other areas, their impact is less."

Wolf depredation is the worst in the Lolo region, with the cow elk population falling below the target. Overall, however, 23 of the state's 29 management zones have elk numbers within targets or above.

Biologist Jesse Timberlake with Defenders of Wildlife says the report shows that claims about wolves decimating elk herds have been overstated, and he gives kudos to Fish and Game for doing the research.

"This report really brings some important science to the table, and hopefully that will be reflected in the Idaho Fish and Game's ongoing management of wolves in the area."

Wolves are not the only factor affecting the size of Idaho's elk populations. Mountain lions, coyotes, bears, habitat and weather are weighed in the report, too. The study found that in some areas, more elk are lost to other predators, including hunters, than to wolves.

In the eyes of many hunters, wolves are still a new predator on this list of factors, Unsworth says.

"Sportsmen in Idaho have been working with the department for 50 years to build elk herds. When you have to share them, sometimes, with another predator, it's difficult."

The study is available in the August issue of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game newsletter, available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/news/fg_news/10/aug.pdf.

 

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