MISSOULA – The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation says gray wolf populations in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming should be managed through state-regulated hunting.
The foundation’s board of directors approved the policy Wednesday at a meeting in conjunction with the foundation’s annual convention in Forth Worth, Texas.
Elk Foundation President and CEO David Allen says wolf populations are well above recovery goals and says federal protection is no longer justified.
Allen says the foundation believes wolves can now be sustainably managed like bears, mountain lions and other predators.
Allen says the Elk Foundation is interested in wolf management because of the impact of wolves on elk herds, elk hunting success, livestock, landowners and rural economies.