The Senate Resources Committee, which last year refused to confirm Fish & Game Commissioner Joan Hurlock, gave a much different reception today to this year’s two new commissioners, Brad Corkill of the Panhandle and Mark Doerr of the Magic Valley. After Corkill, responding to senators’ questions, said he’d be glad to see all wolves disappear from the state and called for a “very aggressive program” to reduce wolf numbers, committee Chairman Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, told him, “You answered the question right. ... I thank you for your public service. We appreciate you volunteering.”

After questioning Doerr, Sen. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson, told him, “It’s been some time since you’ve been out goose hunting, so that invitation is standing. Come out any time.” Jack Oyler of Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife, who strenuously opposed Hurlock’s confirmation last year, told the committee, “I want to speak in favor of both of these men on the commission.”

Hurlock, who was only the second woman ever to serve on the Fish & Game Commission, was ousted when both the committee and the full Senate refused to confirm her, something that hadn’t happened since 1974. The Senate voted 19-16 against her confirmation, after Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton, said, “This lady is not qualified,” saying she lacked the necessary “passion” for hunting and fishing to represent the interests of Idaho sportsmen.

Pearce said the committee will vote on the confirmations of Corkill and Doerr on Monday.