Idaho Wolf Hunt Likely, but Uncertain

The State's growing population of wolves will most likely be hunted starting this fall, but there's no promise of that yet. The United States' Secretary of the Interior -- Ken Salazar -- still has to post the official language outlining the Federal Rule. Until he does so -- which could take up 60 days -- Idaho's Department of Fish and Game can't firmly begin planning a public hunting season. According to John Hanian, the official spokesman and press secretary to Governor C. L. "Butch" Otter, the 60-day waiting period could slow the process needed for the state to hold a fall hunt, much like it did in 2009. "We expect that these animals will be de-listed and we'll be able to manage them like any of our other big-game predators," Hanian said. The problem, according to the Governor's Office, is that no one knows if the official ruling would allow Idaho to conduct wolf hunts under its current (2008-2012) wolf management plan -- or if a new plan would have to be drafted to allow it...more