Wolf kills, not education

Idaho Department Fish & Game (IDFG) recently hosted a public meeting in Coeur d’Alene. An agenda item was “Commission direction on expenditure of Department funds.” IDFG gives $110,000 annually to the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board to slaughter wolves “for the protection of ungulates.” IDFG considers wolves a threat to their elk farm.

The Idaho Legislature created the control board in 2014 to establish a funding mechanism to kill wolves, in addition to hunting and trapping seasons. The Legislature has appropriated 1.2 million in three years from the state general fund to the board. IDFG and the state Department of Agriculture also fund the program. In 2015, approximately $6,000 was spent per wolf kill.

Most commenting in Coeur d’Alene spoke against the continued funding of aerial gunning operations in Idaho and the hiring of trappers to kill wolves in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. IDFG plays a central role in both. The commissioners announced at the end of the meeting that the funding would continue.

Is it any wonder the Legislature chooses not to fully fund education and health care when political hacks are running the state government and wildlife departments?

Brett Haverstick

Moscow