I am not going to quote you exact numbers, just rounded off ones, but you will get the picture, I'm sure.

Wisconsin has agreed that the viable wolf population in the state should be between 300 and 350 wolves.

Right now, the census of wolves in Wisconsin is between 650 and 700 miserable canines.

This number will double after the breeding and whelping season, so as of 60 minutes ago, we had 1300 to 1400 wolves.

So in order to reduce the population to 325 wolves, we will be allowed to hunt and trap about 160 wolves this year.

Here's the math. 650x2=1300 -160=1140 wolves. They actually printed this in the papers. I guess I'm the only one that caught it.

On the plus side, I've never heard of a farmer being prosecuted for protecting his herd against wolves.

DUH!!! That new math is over MY head.

In my experience with state game and fish agencies,USFWS and ESA Programs,the population numbers are always manipulated to their advantage,depending on exactly what point they are trying to make. Usually,they will inflate the numbers,when touting the success of their ESA Programs and will deflate the numbers,when it comes to managing ESA wildlife populations or delisting said species from the ESA list. Most times,I find the true population of ESA species are double their estimates for management programs,a safety net,of sorts,to cover their behinds,in case their management programs take a turn for the worst,for some unforeseen circumstance. Since these are WDNR and USFWS numbers,it comes as no surprise to me or should it to any of you,that are Wisconsin residents and are familiar with their ongoing questionable management policies of all the wild furbearer species,in that state. At least,they are consistent,consistently at odds with the majority of Wisconsin trappers,on most furbearer management issues,wolves being a prime example,as it will continue to be,in the future. Good Luck

Paul,

Don't you know with the new math that getting the correct answer isn't important, it's the steps you take to get there that matter.

Who said the population would double? Population estimates are usually estimated in January and there would likely be a lot of mortality on young of the year by then.

Ole, the population estimates of between 650 and 700 wolves was probably taken in January as you state. The fact that the population doubles at this time of the year is not arguable either.

Unfortunately 8 out of 9 wolves will not die by next January. ( 8 out of 9 squirrels will )

The point I am trying to make is: If nearly everyone agrees that 300 to 350 wolves in northern Wisconsin is the goal, why are we shooting for a target of over 1000?

P.S. Years ago the Elk Foundation spent a lot of bucks re-introducing elk to the same area that the wolves were re-introduced to. Do you want to know what their idea of the perfect wolf population is? Less than zero. And I couldn't agree more!

Before palefaces invaded, wolves occupied most of what is now the lower 48.

Paul,

Don't worry any... They will likely hire wildlife services to collar a few wolves and maybe shoot 5 in two years. 1140 - 2.5 = 1137.5. And it will only cost that states taxpayers several hundred thousand dollars.... Each.

Good luck,

NV man, that could possibly work in some states but Wisconsin is REALLY backward. We treasure each and every animal that we shoot or trap. Legally or not so much.

I would surely like to interview any wildlife services agent who made a living in the wildlife control field in Wisconsin.

Paul W.,
Here is the contact information; go for it. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/state_office/wisconsin_info.shtml

Just looked through the Wisconsin wolf management plan, available on the link provided above. USDA ws was on the wolf advisory committee and in several pages are noted as the agency allowed to euthanize wolves (private land owners are " not allowed"). Average wolf management costs, around $100000 in the late 90s. Expected cost increase of 10% a year; by now that's $250000. I bet it's more!

Perhaps a few minor details have changed but...

LA and NV have persuaded me to see if I can get our local outdoor sports writer to find out if we can nail down some costs on the USDA and Wisconsin wolf management. If NV is even halfway right, I can hear the blood-curdling cries already!

P.S. This is the busy season for both me and the sports writer, so if you don't hear anything, give me a reminder later on.