G&F unanimous vote to expand wolf project on every level

[elkaholic]

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted unanimously today to support an alternative developed by 28 cooperating agencies and stakeholders for the non-essential population rule that governs Mexican wolf conservation in Arizona and New Mexico. The proposal, which has an unprecedented level of stakeholder support, is being submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for consideration in its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

 

While still conceptual, the alternative is scientifically-based and would further cooperation between federal and state agencies and stakeholders to achieve a self-sustaining wolf population. Key elements of the alternative include:

##Allowing up to triple the target number of Mexican wolves in the Southwest from the 1982 recovery plans goal of not less than 100 wolves to achieve a self-sustaining population.

##Major expansion of the area where wolves can be released to include the Secondary Recovery Zone.

##Expansion of the area where Mexican wolves can disperse and establish territories.

##Establishment of a connectivity corridor for wolves to disperse to the species core historical range in Mexico.

##Recognition of the importance of Mexico as a primary element to successful Mexican wolf recovery.

 

The biggest impediment to the Mexican wolf reintroduction effort in the Southwest isnt biologically-based. Its social tolerance for an apex predator on todays modern landscape that must support such a wide variety of conservation, recreation and economic uses. This alternative represents the first time such a broad-based group has come together for Mexican wolf conservation, and it goes a long ways to enhancing social tolerance and, in turn, successful conservation of the species, says J.W. Harris, chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

 

The alternative provides concepts that stakeholders want the Service to evaluate as it prepares the draft EIS that will eventually be opened to broad public review and comment.

[Coach]

A friend of mine hunted with his kids in Unit 1 over this last weekend and said he was totally amazed by the proliferation of wolves there - and the effect they were having on the Turkeys. Personally, I've only encountered a few wolves over the past 20+ years of hunting in unit 1, but this guy has been hunting there longer than I have and I don't doubt his observations.

[camoremi]

If these things can breed as fast as yotes I hate to see what's going to happen to our elk/deer populations? Look how hard it is to draw antelope. Probably have to get rid of that hunt.

[CWpredator]

S.S.S

[MT_Sourdough]

Enjoy AZ hunting while you still can.

[Will K]

Shoot straight.

[hawkeye]

Our Game and Fish Dept. is the enemy. As long as they participate in the wolf project, they have declared war on the hunting public who support them. I am moving out of state soon and not a moment too soon. I considered buying a lifetime hunting license before I move. But in the current state, I can only see that as a waste of money. I have lived and hunted nearly 60 years in Arizona and still love Arizona but am looking forward to moving to aasxer hunter friendly state.

[DesertBull]

Our Game and Fish Dept. is the enemy. As long as they participate in the wolf project, they have declared war on the hunting public who support them. I am moving out of state soon and not a moment too soon. I considered buying a lifetime hunting license before I move. But in the current state, I can only see that as a waste of money. I have lived and hunted nearly 60 years in Arizona and still love Arizona but am looking forward to moving to aasxer hunter friendly state.

 

 

Agree but there is STUPID in every state.

[Guest wdenike]

Our Game and Fish Dept. is the enemy. As long as they participate in the wolf project, they have declared war on the hunting public who support them. I am moving out of state soon and not a moment too soon. I considered buying a lifetime hunting license before I move. But in the current state, I can only see that as a waste of money. I have lived and hunted nearly 60 years in Arizona and still love Arizona but am looking forward to moving to aasxer hunter friendly state.

 

 

 

 

Ya know what the G&F strokers are thinking??? I can hear the thoughts. BOY OH BOY ONE LESS PERSON PUTTING IN MY CHANCE IS A LITTLE BETTER NOW. LMAO

 

 

 

Take care, Willie

[PRDATR]

The only wolf I ever say was in the early 90's in Unit 29, and I'd like to keep it that way.

[rossislider]

There is a dark haired wolf I've seen a few times that likes to rome around the base of Pole Knoll across from Greens Peak. I'd love for him to disappear.

[DesertBull]

There is a dark haired wolf I've seen a few times that likes to rome around the base of Pole Knoll across from Greens Peak. I'd love for him to disappear.

 

 

be a shame if your truck had an anti-freeze leak right where he like to roam.

[naturebob]

SSS

[Big Donkey]

/>SSS

And repeat

[maydayretrievers]

/> SSS

And repeat

LMAO glad I am not only one