Wyoming and Fish and Wildlife Service Negotiate New Plan
Jess Edberg, Information and
Program Specialist 

A new proposal may bridge the gap between boundaries the state of Wyoming wants and those the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will accept regarding wolf management in that state after delisting. Wyoming and FWS officials met on December 21 to discuss a proposal that would create a larger area where wolves would be considered “trophy game” rather than “predators.” The plan may resolve a dispute over Wyoming’s current proposal for managing wolves after Federal protections are removed.

The proposal by the FWS would deepen/expand a boundary in northwestern Wyoming to greatly increase the area where wolves are designated as trophy game animals. According to Wyoming state law, trophy game are state-managed resources — animals such as elk, deer and sheep — that require a permit for harvest. Predator status in Wyoming allows unregulated harvest. Full story.