Quote Originally Posted by def90 View Post
I’m fine with wolves coming in on their own, its going to happen and it will be a good way for the prey animals here to ease in to the transition with minimal impact vs just dropping off a few packs all at once. In places where wolves have been introduced yes populations of deer and elk dropped but even the decimated elk herd of yellowstone that is often cited is now learning how to deal with wolves and the herd size has been expanding again after years of losses.

Eventually the state will be forced to publicly acknowledge that they are already here but it will be advantageous for CPW to delay that anouncement as long as possible. CPW is already complaining about lack of funds and raising license fees, just wait until they have to expand to meet all of the requirements needed to manage a protected species.
I think you're correct in that the reality of what needs to happen as far as proper management, and the reality of pressure from adverse groups and the realities of the budget will lead to less than desirable outcomes. State managed vs Federal managed is a much more complicated issue than people realize.

I enjoy this discussion very much. Hope no one thinks I'm doing anything but having fun volleying stats and ideas about this topic.