Bill would exempt Idaho wolves from protections

U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo say they plan to introduce a bill that aims to exempt wolves in Idaho from federal protections that were restored by a court order in August. Crapo spokesman Lindsay Nothern said the Idaho lawmakers, both Republicans, are still working on the legislation and are in communication with Montana's congressional delegation. "We have been looking at a lot of language and trying to figure out what has the best chance of gaining traction in Congress and getting the job done and addressing the situation here in Idaho," Nothern told the Lewiston Tribune. Idaho's senators hope to find a solution that will work for several different parties and a bill could be introduced as early as next week, Risch spokesman Brad Hoaglun said. "We are trying to see where the common ground is and if legislation can be crafted to meet the needs of a lot of different people," he said. "It's too soon to say if that can be done or not."...more