16 March Idaho Fish & Game Commission Extends Wolf Hunting and Trapping Seasons March 16, 2020By George McQuiston (blog) Announcements, General Information, Guided Hunts, Wolf Idaho Hunts, Wolf Hunts 0 Idaho Fish and Game recently extended wolf hunting seasons, opened more areas to wolf trapping and extended trapping seasons over most of the state. Changes went into effect immediately on February 20, 2020. Wolf hunting season in Frank Church Wilderness game units 20A, 26, and 27 has been extended by one month. Season now runs from August 1 to June 30—a full 11 months. To top that, wolf season is now open year round in the game units surrounding Challis, Idaho (28, 36A, 36B, and 37). Wow! How Idaho Fish & Game ever got away with this one with a rather large, urban-dwelling, anti-wolf-hunting and loud segment in our society is beyond me. The important point is—they did it! The decision to lengthen wolf-hunting seasons comes on the heels of a recently released report, based on extensive game-camera surveys, which estimated the total wolf population within the state of Idaho at 1,541 wolves during the summer of 2019, and approximately 1,000 by the end of the same year. This robust population remains ridiculously above the original federal recovery criteria of 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs statewide. The report states wolf predation remains chronic on livestock over much of the state, and “continues to have a negative effect on elk populations in some backcountry areas”. Worthy of mention in Idaho Fish & Game’s process to extend wolf seasons was a 14-day public comment period earlier this year. (A Castle Creek Outfitters blog contained a link to the survey on January 31.) Of the 27,076 participants who commented, only 5,675 were Idaho residents (21%). That means the majority of the responses (79%) came from outside of Idaho, with “many coming from outside of the US”. According to Idaho Fish & Game, 84 – 85% of those tallied opposed lengthening wolf seasons. By comparison, of the 21% tallied who were Idaho residents, 55% supported lengthening wolf seasons and 45% opposed. Obviously, the vocal, anti-hunting segment of our world community had more to say about wolves in Idaho than Idaho hunters, outfitters, and ranchers did. A huge applause goes to Idaho Fish & Game for holding their ground, and basing their decisions on solid, scientific data, along with the voices of the people who have to live with the wolves (Idaho residents). Even though the anti-hunters didn’t get their way on this one, is should still be a wakeup call for all of us hunters to get involved with hunting-based politics and make our opinions heard. The idea that radicals from around the world are trying to influence wolf hunting regulations in Idaho is absolutely unacceptable. God bless America, Joe Cavanaugh For a closer look at all of Idaho Fish and Game wolf season changes, click on this link: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/idaho-fish-and-game-commission-extends-wolf-hunting-and-trapping-seasons Related Posts Clarification on Idaho Fish & Game Nonresident License/Tag Suspension There’s been some confusion about the temporary suspension of some nonresident licenses, permits, and tags sales by the Idaho Fish & Game Commission, due to COVID-19. So, let me clarify as far as big-game licenses and tags are concerned. Sun Sets on 2015 Wild Idaho Hunting Seasons 2015 will go down as one of Wild Idaho Outfitters most successful hunting seasons of our career. Beginning with spring Bear hunting where we enjoyed a full 75% opportunity rate to our fall hunting seasons where we went just under 100% opportunity rate on an animal. And most importantly, almost everyone who hunted with us this year lived. Those few exceptions were probably a little ill anyway. Yes folks that is one of my corny outfitter jokes. Cougar and Wolf Hunting in Idaho Cougar and wolf seasons are currently open in much of Idaho, and will remain open in Units 27 and 28 until June 30, when the seasons close along with spring bear season. Cougar and wolf are exceedingly difficult species to take, especially without the use of dogs or bait, and taking one as such is considered a pinnacle of hunting achievement. The 2016 Idaho fall hunting seasons are almost here We are just a few short days away from the 2016 fall hunting season here in Idaho. August 30 is the opener of most fall bear hunting units along with statewide general archery season for elk and deer. Here in Central Idaho’s wilderness backcountry units, we are fortunate to enjoy a two-month long rifle season, so our first opener is bear season and we are getting ready. Our first baits have now been set, camps are getting readied, and firewood is being cut and stacked and come next Tuesday we will welcome our first fall 2016 hunters here at Wild Idaho Outfitters. An Idaho Elk Hunt to Remember This is a “short” story about a hunter/client/friend of ours who is part of a group of guys we affectionately call the “Cali boys”. His name is Bill Bunch and someone in his group has hunted with us consistently for 11 straight seasons. He is one of those guys that in my opinion is a true sportsman. Let me explain. Hunting News Idaho Fish and Game has established a new page on its website to provide you with information concerning changes in hunting/fishing regs or dates due to COVID-19. So far so good, as there are no drastic changes. “Traditional hunting and fishing seasons remain unaffected.” Comment (0) Comments are closed.