Recognizing the need for a more flexible and responsive strategy, the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board announced a new initiative to control wolves on private property.
During their June meeting, the board approved spending up to $50,000 in the July 1 fiscal year for producers to propose and execute projects that align with the conditions and issues in their area. With board approval and under an agreement, the applicants would be able to undertake activities themselves or facilitate the process with a private contractor and then be reimbursed for those projects.
Chanel Tewalt, director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative, noting that a one-size-fits-all approach to wolf control doesn’t always work.
“We know there’s a need. We’ve had many requests to try other types of projects, and based on the budget that we had available, this was an idea that seemed like it would help address some of those concerns that producers have,” she said. “We want to make sure that the dollars are spent as wisely and effectively as they can be.”
Understanding the challenges faced by ranchers from his time as the Idaho Cattle Association president, Richard Savage, a rancher in the Humphrey area and a long-time wolf board member, believes producer-led projects could be a step in the right direction.
“This money essentially gives ranchers a unique opportunity to craft something that fits their situation,” Savage explained. “What works for me may not work for people in Cascade and vice versa. Those are the types of things we need to learn and hope to be able to learn through this, and hopefully we can get a situation where we can control wolves to where they’re not such a hardship on people.”
Savage emphasized that while the money is there, there are some fine details that still need to be worked out. The board plans to further develop the program and review proposals this summer.
“There's no cure for this,” Savage added. “With as many wolves as we’ve got, there's just no way to put an end to depredations. We're really hopeful that this will help.”
Interested producers are encouraged to consider how a project could be implemented in their area and to bring it to the board for approval. Questions regarding projects and how to apply can be sent to the ISDA.
