Meeting to discuss wolves' effects on wildlife, livestock

Sportsmen and women will be sponsoring a meeting Wednesday, Jan. 30 to move forward with the goal of reducing wolf numbers to objectives set by United States Fish and Wildlife Service at 150 wolves in Montana. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Red Lion in the Kalispell Center Mall.

Featured invited guests and speakers include representatives from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; Fish, Wildlife & Parks; the Foundation for Wildlife Management; and Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife.

This is the third meeting in Western Montana and change is already evident, according to Region One sportsman Glenn Schenavar.

“Our frustration is that FWP is not understanding the negative impact wolves are having on ungulate and livestock populations,” Schenavar said. “Idaho and Wyoming are out in front of us making changes to reduce predation on ungulates and livestock. We are looking for sportsmen and livestock growers who want to help us move forward with change.”

Sportsmen groups are working with FWP and state legislators to change trapping regulations and laws. According to Schenavar, objectives as a coalition of sportsmen are:

— Reducing wolf numbers to management objectives set by United States Fish and Wildlife Service of 150 wolves in Montana.

— Extending current trapping seasons.

— Change setbacks for trapping

—Obtaining reimbursement for ethical hunters and trappers for expenses incurred while harvesting wolves.

— Reintroduction of ungulates in areas impacted by wolves.

— Working with state legislators to change existing laws.

— Working with FWP to find common ground to develop solutions.

According to Schenavar, about 250 sportsmen attended the Nov. 28 meeting held in Trout Creek.

“When sportsmen come together we are a truly powerful group,” Schenavar said.

He expects between 500 and 600 sportsmen to attend the meeting in Kalispell.