WOLF HUNTS ARE ON!!!

[catdogs]

Federal judge rules in favor of controversial wolf hunts in Montana, Idaho
By MATTHEW BROWN , Associated Press

September 9, 2009 - 10:35 AM


BILLINGS, Mont. - A federal judge said Wednesday that gray wolf hunts in the Northern Rockies can go on, denying a request by environmentalists and animal welfare groups to stop the first organized wolf hunts in decades in Idaho and Montana.

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy said plans to kill about 20 percent of the two states' estimated 1,350 wolves would not cause long-term harm to the population. He said federal biologists had shown the animal could sustain a 30 percent annual reduction without long-term harm.

But Molloy added that by carving Wyoming out of the recent decision to remove wolves from federal protection, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appeared to violate the Endangered Species Act by making its decision based on political boundaries.

Molloy said that means environmentalists could ultimately prevail in their bid to restore endangered species protection for the animals.

"The Service has distinguished a natural population of wolves based on a political line, not the best available science," Molloy wrote in his 14-page opinion. "That, by definition, seems arbitrary and capricious."

Doug Honnold, the Earthjustice attorney who had argued the case on behalf of 14 groups opposed to the hunts, had a mixed reaction to the ruling.

"If they violated the endangered species act, then this population eventually is going have to go back on the (endangered) list," Honnold said. "Obviously we're disappointed he did not issue an injunction."

He added that he "took no comfort" in Molloy's statement that the population could withstand this year's hunt.

Representatives of the Fish and Wildlife Service could not be reached immediately for comment.

Hunters in Idaho have so far taken three wolves since wolf season opened there Sept. 1. The state has a quota allowing as many as 220 wolves to be killed. Montana's season is set to begin Sept. 15, with a quota of 75 wolves.

Jim Unsworth with Idaho Fish and Game said his state's hunt so far has gone smoothly.

"Everything is working just like we planned, which shouldn't be a surprise since we've done this for years with other critters," Unsworth said.

Last year, Molloy sided with environmentalists in a similar case. As a result, the federal government kept about 300 wolves in Wyoming on the endangered list but in May took them off the list in Montana and Idaho.


TONY MANDILE

[Brady Davis]

Good luck fellas! Fill those quotas!

[Shorty]

Shoot well folks. Don't want any missed oppertunities now ya hear. Good luck to all!!!


P.S. I'm jealous, happy hunting.

[liontracker]

Open season!...get 'er done!

[walkin w/ some blue]

I live near the utah idaho border, They had a picture of the first wolf checked in at the check stations on the front page. (salt in the wound for the antis) Brought a tear to my eye ia was so happy. Get a couple down here by the border for me so i dont have to deal with em. Happy hunting. And may you bullets be blessed with speed and accuracy.

[Majestic Tree Hound]

And may you bullets be blessed with speed and accuracy.

Heck since its Legal to draw down on them .. Just Gut Shoot 2 or 3 for everyone killed !! Problum Reduced ..

[liontracker]

OOPS?

[Majestic Tree Hound]

Yep Woops "What a Bad Shot I am" !!!! lol

[walkin w/ some blue]

I stand corrected your way sounds much much better.


First wolf checked at check station in Idaho. Ahhh I think i might just burst with joy.

[liontracker]

Predator call?
How many per hunter is the limit?
Non-resident tags?

[Majestic Tree Hound]

How many per hunter is the limit?

Tim .. I think we just discussed that Above ... LOL

[liontracker]

Yeh, but my brother lives in Pinedale wyo and we want to tie them on the outside of the rig and drive all the way back home. You know...free speach...the right to public protest!

[Majestic Tree Hound]

Tim in 1982 their was a Log Motel/Restrant with about 15 Single Log Rooms, it had a large Coral and Barn and it had the Access road to the National Forest behind the Barn ..

It was for Sale .. It was Just North of Pinedale with the Snake River just on the other side of the road ... $ 188,000 at that time ..

The "X Wife" and I went to the realtor in Pinedale and Started the Paper Work on it !!

"We Did'nt Get Approved" LOL

Now back to Killen Wolfs

[liontracker]

Sur are a lot of ex wives in this deal!LOL

[cjohnson1178]

good to see a dead wolf. but i would like to see a whole pile of dead wolves. only 3 down. long way to the quota but i think when the big game rifle seasons open well see alot more. i was wondering if it was legal for outfitters to guide wolf hunts in idaho or montana. cause if it is why the hell are there only 3 down. dont know if its legal or not but if i was an outfitter i would focus all my efforts on wolves. after all they have been bitching for years that wolves are killing their livelyhood. not trying to stir any one up just curious why there arent more dead wolves.