Wolf stamp proposal draws a spirited debate

Ranchers and many hunters don’t like it. Wolf watchers and conservation groups think it’s a good idea.

That was the gist of a statewide teleconference public hearing last week on a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks proposal to create a voluntary wolf stamp.

The idea is to offer a $20 stamp that would help pay for non-lethal wolf management in Montana. Money received from the sale of the stamps would be used first to pay for administering the stamp program. The remainder would be distributed equally between livestock-loss reduction program grants, wolf monitoring, habitat projects, scientific research, public education and outreach, and law enforcement.

Public sentiment seemed split down the middle on the proposal. Steve Gniadek, a retired Glacier National Park biologist from Columbia Falls, spoke in favor of the stamp.

“I especially applaud the increase in education,” he said. “There is a raging ignorance about wolf biology in segments of the public.”

He noted that nothing about the stamp precludes current wolf management strategies. But opponents are concerned that if the state supports a program that includes non-lethal wolf management, the money they give would influence overall wolf management to the detriment of game species.

“I’m concerned the emotions and money will take over the professionalism,” said Mike Shepard, a Columbia Falls city councilman and avid hunter. “It’s hard to find an elk up here in Region 1.”

“This is an open invitation for the anti-hunting community to work into FWP,” hunter Jim Homison said.

But proponents noted that money currently raised from wolf tags is already used to support lethal wolf management. Groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have already earmarked funds toward lethal wolf management in the state — so influencing management is nothing new.

The stamp was supported by large conservation groups, including the National Wildlife Federation, but it was opposed by the Montana Stockgrowers Association and the Montana Woolgrowers Association.

Some hunters were opposed to spending any stamp money on wolf habitat, even though wolves, elk, deer and other game species share and need the same habitat.

“Does this (stamp) mean buying land so wolves can roam freely?” one person asked.

Others opposed the idea of conserving species without hunting.

“Conservation without hunting is not hunting,” an individual with Safari Club International said.

Not all hunting organizations opposed a stamp. Several hunters and speakers said FWP’s proposal might be better received if it weren’t earmarked for wolves but instead supported all wildlife.

Jim Posewitz, of Helena Hunters and Anglers, spoke in favor of the stamp. FWP has a long history of supporting conservation across the state, he said, even when times were tough. In the 1930s, the elk population in Montana was about 15,000. Today, it’s 10 times that.

“This issue must be used to unite the conservation community,” he said. “Not divide it.”

Even those supporting the stamp wanted the language governing the stamp tweaked. They wanted it made clear that it was for non-lethal management of wolves.

FWP Director Jeff Hagener will make the final determination on the stamp. FWP expects to file its decision by the end of September, with possible adoption of a new rule by Oct. 9.

To date, more than 14,500 comments have been received on the stamp. People can comment by e-mailing: fwpwld@mt.gov. Deadline is Aug. 22.