I've hunted in Idaho since I was 13 years old. What I have noticed over the past severl years hunting is downright shameful.
First off, it's taken biologists far to long to admit that the wolves are causing greater depredation to big game then they originally planned. Secondly, the States rights have gone out the window because of the Fed. Government. Thirdly, there are far too many animal rights, save the whole world groups that will put a damper on hunting them anytime soon. With all of those cards stacked against us...their populations for the most part continue to grow unchecked. Taking out a troublesome pack here and there don't even come close to the amount of new pups that survive each year.
In northern Idaho, fish and game finally stated that the cow/calf population is below 70% (lowest all time) and in order to maintain a healthy population that number has to be a minimum of 76%. Well your not gonna get a 6% increase in a few years, it's going to take twice as long to rebuild whats already lost.
In my travels hunting, I've seen fewer elk together meaning smaller groups of elk all spread out. Sometimes I've seen none at all in places that used to be covered. What I do see, which I found odd, a higher number of smaller bucks and lots of does, but fewer elk. I've seen a lot of elk hang out around or on ranches..I guess they have figured it's safer down there than up there. North of Stanley, ID this year a friend of mine hunted for 8 days, saw 16 wolves and not one elk. This year north of Challis, I saw 0 elk, minimal sign in 7 days of hunting and tons of wolf sign, heard them, however I didn't see them.
All the states that are currently in this battle need to come together with the same plan. Fish and game has to grow some balls and do what they know is right..however even that is going to be hard for them to do. I believe that without a checks and balances system in place...were doomed. Our States have enough land to maintain a small population of wolves..but just like any other big game species they have to be given equal opportunity to be hunted.