Commission meeting in Spokane on WA Wolf Plan

[Machias]

I attended and testified today at the Commission meeting in Spokane concerning the WA Wolf plan. They had 83 individuals signed up for their 3 minutes of testimony. Lots of ranchers and cattlemen there and lots of pro wolf folks. There were 4 of us from Washington For Wildlife. I believe they are pretty set on at least 15 breeding pairs, but alot of tesitimony about no money for the plan, no clear goals, no clear ways to stiffle or stop conflicts, no money for livestock depredation. The Colville tribe gave some great testimony. The Commission, a couple of them are living in fantasy land. Very frustrating.

[ferjr]

I cant believe Washington is wanting those damn things, havnt they heard all of the problems that other states have had with them. WTF!!!!

[Machias]

No only do they want them they want more than our neighbors have. They want a min of 15 breeding pairs and they want the entire state repopulated before they will delist any part of the state. It's insane, but it's a means to an end.....the end of sport hunting.

[kehrer10]

Bring the trailer over to Montana and we will load you guys up with all of ours!

[Machias]

Geez thanks!

[nuttybuddy]

If they have stated that they want the entire state to have wolves, you might suggest they start with Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia suburbs to see how that goes......... G.

[Machias]

It really makes NO difference. I took the wolf trapping class in Idaho yesterday from two great wolf trappers. They have lots of experience in ID and Alaska and I can assure you after talking with them all day yesterday that Washington is toast. We have NO chance what so ever to control the coming wolf population. In Idaho they have little chance with hunting, trapping and areial gunning. Two things we will never be able to use here, trapping and areial gunning. 10 breeding pairs or 50 breeding pairs makes no difference. Our children will not be able to enjoy hunting like we did. It's just a fact. We will not be able to control wolves in this state.