What’s all the H owling about? Managing and in Idaho

By Craig White Wildlife Biologist Idaho Department of Fish and Game Photographs courtesy of Idaho Deptment of Fish and Game unless otherwise noted.

I recently spoke to my good friend Chris just after he and a few friends had returned from archery in one of Idaho’s central mountain zones. Chris is a hardworking, caring hunter who comes from a long line of Idahoans passionate about hunting. He’s also a person of high integrity and honesty, and since our conversa- tion took place at church, I am pretty sure he was not lying to me about his hunting experiences. Chris shared that this year, like last year, he and his group had bulls talking to them just about every day they hunted. Chris related how one large bull just needed to take one more step in the right direction, and his friend would have had on the pole. Although the hunters returned home without meat, it was not from a lack of seeing bulls. They had a great time. Chris’s story is not atypical. Elk still exist in Idaho, and wonderful hunting experi- ences are being had. I am familiar with where Chris hunts, an area where we have documented significant impacts to elk populations from predation. Chris hunts a particular drainage where several wolf pack territories come together, so I know that Chris hunts where wolves may be found on any given day. In contrast, many other elk hunters tell me that all they see are wolves or wolf sign, but no elk. This different, very real experience has frustrated and discouraged many hunters. The disparity between Chris’s story and the experiences of other hunters highlights the

©donald M. jones M. ©donald questions Idaho is facing: What impacts are wolves having on Idaho’s elk populations?

36 n Fair Chase Winter 2010 bye th numbers... Survival of elk calves more than six months old and cause of death, 2005-2009

4 Elk Avg. Ann. Percent of population removed by cause Management Survival Legal O ther Zone (Units) (%) Harvest Wolf Unknown1 Causes2 L olo (10, 12) 52 0 32 7 2 7 Sawtooth 30 0 38 3 13 18 (33, 34, 35, 36)

S urvival of Causes of death of female elk female elk Annual Percent of population removed by cause survival Legal Elk Zone (%) Elk Zone Wolf Cougar Harvest Other Lolo2 75 Lolo2 20 3 Elk City 87 Elk City 5 5 m o c

o. McCall 81 McCall 6 t o h

p 3 3 k Sawtooth 87 Sawtooth 4 2 3 c o t Boise River 85 Boise River 5 4 n/is a m Weiser 89 i Weiser 1 8 p

©Pb rd Smoky Mtns 81 Smoky Mtns 5 4 3 Pioneer 88 Pioneer 1 3 6 Salmon 83 Salmon 2 6 5 Tex Creek 89 Tex Creek 1 8 Island Park 80 Island Park 1 17

1 Cause of death determined to be from predation, but specific predator unknown. 2 Includes death caused by accidents, disease, malnutrition, other predator, and unknown causes. 3 Calves monitored from December to June. 4 Percentages may not add up to 100 because of rounding.

What is happening to elk in the Lolo elk predator-elk interactions. We have learned IDFG has witnessed ebbs and flows management zone? And, what is the future a lot about managing elk during the last 50 in elk population abundance for decades. of elk management? years. The information gained from these However, Idaho’s elk population overall has studies, combined with the need to manage declined 20 percent over the last 15 years, Elk Populations and hunter distribution and hunting pressure to dropping from 125,000 to about 103,000. Hunting in Idaho meet the desires of elk hunters, led to the Some zones have seen at least some decline Idaho’s diversity of big game species is a creation of elk management zones. Elk are and six are below elk population objectives. hunter’s dream. Ten species of big game can managed in 29 zones that allow population A few of the declines started in the late 1980s be hunted in Idaho but for most hunters, elk management based on local habitat, weather, and early 1990s, primarily because of lower are the king of them all. An incredible mix- and herd movements. The zones provide a calf survival, but other declines commenced ture of opportunity is provided by Idaho’s variety of hunting opportunities. in the last five to 10 years. diverse habitats and population of more IDFG monitors elk through a number than 100,000 elk. The Idaho elk hunter can of tools including aerial surveys and tracking Impacts from Wolves pursue bulls that vanish like ghosts in the elk movements and survival with radio-te- Wolf reintroduction into the northern sagebrush deserts, bugle for bulls in aspen lemetry. Understanding what drives elk has been highly contro- draws above dry farms in eastern Idaho, populations is important. Ultimately, female versial since the first releases in Yellowstone chase herds in the lung-busting climbs of survival is the key to elk population growth, National Park and Central Idaho in 1995. the central Idaho mountains, or stalk the decline, or stability. Of course, it’s also im- In August of this year, IDFG published a thick-timbered ridges of Northern Idaho. portant that cow elk get pregnant, produce news article reporting our recent research The Idaho Department of Fish and calves, and that the calves survive to repro- findings regarding elk mortality and the Game (IDFG) has a long history of evaluating ductive age. In a nutshell, elk population impact of mountain lions, gray wolves, factors that impact elk herds. Studies include trends depend on the survival rates of cow and regulated hunting (http://fishandgame. food habits and movement patterns of elk, elk and calves. Elk survival depends primarily idaho.gov/cms/news/fg_news/). The article bull mortality factors, impacts of road densi- on four factors: nutrition, hunter harvest, highlighted recent cow elk survival rates ties and road closures on elk survival, and predation, and weather. and the primary causes of cow mortality

Fair Chase Winter 2010 n 37 in 11 elk management zones representing combination of wolves and mountain lions, on the historic and current factors that in- the range of habitats, hunting opportuni- were the leading cause of cow elk deaths in fluence elk populations. ties, and predator densities found in Idaho. five of the 11 zones sampled. All five zones The Lolo zone is also notable for Most data in this report was collected from had declining elk populations and moderate having experienced one of the greatest elk 2005 to 2008 and reflects the factors that to high wolf numbers. To put our findings population declines in Idaho. The population impact elk herds across Idaho. The article into context, 10 of 29 Idaho elk management peaked in 1989 at an estimated 16,054 elk also reports survival and the primary causes zones had moderate to high wolf numbers before subsequently declining. Several factors of mortality of calves 6 to 12 months old in from 2005 to 2008 and we sampled cow sur- played a role in this decline but today, wolves the Lolo and Sawtooth zones between 2005 vival in only seven of them. It is likely that are the primary reason that elk are still and 2009. the remaining three zones with similar wolf trending downward in this zone and cannot IDFG typically manages for cow sur- densities would yield similar survival results recover. Wolves became well established in vival in the upper 80 percent range if enough during the same period. the Lolo zone from 2003 to 2005. The elk calves are surviving to replace adult animals Survival of elk calves 6 to 12 months population in 2006 was estimated to be 5,110. that die each year. Our research indicated old was 30 percent in the Sawtooth zone From 2005 to 2008, IDFG documented that that annual survival rates for cows ranged and 52 percent in the Lolo zone. During wolves removed 20 percent of the cow elk from a low of 75 percent to a high of 89 winter, wolves were the leading cause of elk population annually, and survival was down percent among the 11 zones. Wolves, or a calf death, killing one-third of the elk calves to only 75 percent annually with no cow in those zones. Malnutrition, while losses to hunter harvest. Results from previ- not as great a factor as wolf predation, ous elk studies in the Lolo zone, before also influenced calf deaths in the Saw- wolves were released in Idaho, indicated tooth zone. annual survival was 89 percent even with hunter harvest. Perhaps even more alarming Lolo Zone: one of the most is that winter calf survival is only 30 to 52 studied elk populations percent in areas with relatively high wolf The Lolo zone in north-central Idaho numbers. This compares to calf survival rates used to be one of the of 71 to 89 percent prior to 2004 when wolf West’s most popular densities were lower. Wolves were responsible areas to hunt elk. for most of the winter mortality of calves 6 The Lolo zone is also to 12 months old. Today’s estimated popula- unique in having one tion level is 2,178 and wolves are having an of the West’s most unacceptable impact on elk herds in the intensively studied Lolo zone. elk herds, providing a Historically many factors such as valuable perspective habitat conditions, weather, and other

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game monitors elk through a number of tools including aerial surveys and tracking elk movements and survival with radio-telemetry. Understanding what drives elk populations is important. Ultimately, female survival is the key to elk population growth, decline, or stability. Of course, it’s also important that cow elk get pregnant, produce calves, and that the calves survive to reproductive age.

38 n Fair Chase Winter 2010 predators all influenced elk popula- tions in the Lolo zone. Extensive fires throughout the Lolo zone in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s, created ex- cellent habitat conditions for elk populations. Conditions favorable to elk likely peaked 10 to 40 years fol- lowing the fires of 1937 and slowly declined after that. Brush fields slowly grew up and noxious weeds such as spotted knapweed became established Together, IDFG and on winter ranges, reducing the quality hunters have a proven of the habitat for elk. Food became track record of managing more limited for elk, and the over- wildlife responsibly. In grown brush fields in calving areas the one year (2009) that may have allowed predators to be Idaho was allowed a wolf more effective. A record snowfall hunt, that track record (200 percent of normal) occurred in was put to the test and a winter of 1996, and many elk died as responsible and successful a result of the deep snow and persis- hunt was conducted. tent winter conditions. Concerns over persistent low calf recruitment prompted new re- search in the Lolo zone in 1997. Findings revealed low calf recruitment including eliminating antlerless controlled our research demonstrates that unmanaged was a function of low calf survival. Most hunts in 1998 and eliminating the only re- wolves can be a leading cause of elk deaths predation of neonates (less than 90-day-old maining antlerless hunt opportunity in 2006. and have contributed directly to elk declines. calves) was by black and mountain As well, IDFG increased hunting opportuni- Elk numbers in zones with the greatest wolf lions. Calf mortality from black preda- ties for black bears and mountain lions to impacts will continue to decline and/or tion was additive, as evidenced by increasing reduce numbers of these predators, while remain below management objectives until calf survival following a controlled reduction carefully monitoring populations of both IDFG can reduce wolf numbers, allowing in black bears. Additionally, elk calves with species. The Lolo’s elk population began to elk to rebound. IDFG has had to reduce lower birth weight, which typically is tied rebound, but elk numbers remained well elk hunting opportunities because of wolf to nutrition, were likely pre-disposed below the expected population level the impacts on elk numbers. For example, there to predation. habitat could support. This recovery was has been virtually no opportunity to hunt What has been done to reverse these short-lived because wolves became well-es- cow elk in the Lolo zone in the last 10 years trends? Of course, IDFG has no control over tablished in the zone. and the opportunity to hunt cow elk in the the weather. And, because IDFG owns very Clearly, several factors have contrib- Sawtooth zone has been reduced dramati- little of the elk habitat in Idaho, we work uted to the declining Lolo elk population. cally in recent years. Further management hard to encourage the land managers, includ- Today, wolf-caused mortality is the major actions will be taken in other zones where ing the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau factor preventing calf recruitment and cow wolves are having a similar impact on cow of Land Management, to improve habitat for elk survival. Predation by an unmanaged wolf and calf survival, which could also result in wildlife. What IDFG does do is manage population is limiting elk abundance and reduced bull-hunting opportunities. The re- animal populations through hunting, trap- achievement of elk management objectives. ality is, loss of elk to wolves is an additional ping, and other techniques. source of mortality that did not exist prior As elk numbers in the Lolo zone de- Future of Idaho Elk Management to 1995. Wolf impacts can vary by zone, clined, IDFG reduced hunting opportunities Fifteen years following wolf reintroduction, affecting how citizens enjoy their wildlife

Fair Chase Winter 2010 n 39 The Idaho Department of Fish and Game does its best to ensure the long-term survival of fish and wildlife. What makes managing elk and wolves really difficult are people’s values, attitudes, and emotions. LEFT: This elk was harvested in 2010 in Idaho by Don Seitz. Endangered Species List, is to find a flexible IDFG will no longer actively participate in and balanced approach to managing elk and statewide efforts to radio collar and count wolves that will be acceptable—maybe not wolves, respond to livestock depredations, ideal, but acceptable—to most Idahoans. or document wolf distribution. IDFG con- IDFG and hunters have worked to- servation officers will refer information of gether for over 50 years to increase our big illegal activity to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife game populations. We are very proud of our Service and direct citizens and information elk herds, and with careful harvest manage- to them. ment we have enjoyed some of the best elk So ultimately what is all the howling

Photo courtesy of Don Seitz hunting in the world. Sportsmen and women about and what do I tell my friend Chris, and have been active partners with IDFG and the those hunters who have had a frustrating resources and how the state manages big financial supporters for all of our wildlife man- experience hunting elk in Idaho? Elk popula- game populations. agement programs, including enforcement. tions in some key areas of Idaho are declining There are bright spots for Idaho, how- Together, IDFG and hunters have a proven where wolf populations are abundant. Un- ever. Nineteen other elk management zones track record of managing wildlife responsibly. managed wolves do have a severe impact on have relatively low to moderate wolf numbers. In the one year (2009) that Idaho was allowed some elk populations; and, just as critical, In most of these zones the trends remain a wolf hunt, that track record was put to the wolves impact people’s values, attitudes, and positive. For example, all but two of these test and a responsible and successful hunt was emotions. IDFG will continue to evaluate zones meet or exceed elk population objectives conducted. With professional wildlife manag- and respond to impacts that wolves have on and continue to offer excellent elk hunting. ers, IDFG can manipulate wildlife populations elk, deer, , and any other wildlife popu- Elk populations and hunting opportunities to limit their effects on each other and on lation as much as possible by pursuing in these zones remain strong and in some, people. We do it all the time, such as with elk management options allowed by the Section such as the Hells Canyon zone, IDFG has that cause damage to crops. IDFG would like 10j rule (Endangered Species Act) to reduce been able to offer more elk hunting opportuni- to have the tools to do the same thing with wolf populations in areas where wolves are ties in recent years. Most of these areas will wolves in places like the Lolo and Sawtooth impacting elk populations. Other alternatives continue to see lighter impact from wolves management zones; not to wipe them out, but such as appealing the decision to re-list because they are on the periphery of wolf to manage in balance with their prey and wolves or introducing legislation in Congress distribution or in locations where wolves provide some of our elk herds with a badly with the intent to de-list wolves are being create conflicts with domestic livestock. How- needed reprieve. explored by the state of Idaho and other ever, wolves are increasing in some zones, affected states. Hunters and others need to such as the Panhandle, and impacts will need T he Latest Round know that IDFG is committed to using the to be managed. Hunters who plan well, and The role of IDFG in wolf management tools available to improve elk populations are adaptive in where they hunt, can continue recently changed. On October 18th the where they are impacted. IDFG will also to have quality elk hunts in Idaho. However, governor of Idaho returned wolf manage- continue to ensure elk populations thrive in losses of quality elk hunting opportunities in ment responsibilities to the U.S. Fish and areas of the state that have not been impacted central and north Idaho cannot be replaced Wildlife Service. The decision to remove by wolves and that quality hunting opportu- by hunting opportunities elsewhere in Idaho IDFG as the primary agency managing nities are available. n where elk population potential is lower. wolves came after the decision to re-list IDFG does its best to ensure the long- wolves on the threatened and endangered ABOUT THE AUTHOR term survival of fish and wildlife. What makes species list in August 2010, and an agree- Craig White is a wildlife biologist with managing elk and wolves really difficult are ment to allow wolf hunting could not be the Idaho Department of Fish and people’s values, attitudes, and emotions. Some reached between the governor’s office and Game. Craig has been a part of the people don’t think that wolves should even the sectary of interior by the middle of department’s effort to research what be in Idaho. Others care more about wolves October 2010. Frustration of elected and drives elk and deer populations, and in and other predators than their prey. Yet, appointed officials as well as hunters is high particular, habitat and predator-prey others want nature to be left alone, without because wolf management options are once dynamics. During the last year Craig human interference. Our challenge, once again restricted. What does this change has been more involved in daily wolf wolves are again removed from the federal in wolf management mean for IDFG? management for the department.

42 n Fair Chase Winter 2010