Wyoming sets out wolf compensation program
by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
January 7, 2008
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is proposing changes to its regulations concerning compensation for damages caused by trophy game animals. The proposed changes amend existing regulations in order to include damage payment calculations pertaining to gray wolves (where gray wolves are classified as trophy game animals) causing damage to livestock, once wolves are removed from federal protection.
The regulation is being amended to create an entirely new provision under the authority of Original House Bill No. 0213 (HB 213). HB 213 will either have become law or sunsetted by the time the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is asked to vote on this regulation. If HB 213 does not become law, the Commission will discontinue promulgation of the rule.
To determine the amount of compensation due to a livestock producer for sheep or calves believed to be missing as a result wolf predation, in areas of the trophy game area, where wolf depredation on at least one animal was verified, WG&F shall use a formula for compensation. The number of individual calves or sheep confirmed by WG&F or its representative killed by wolves multiplied by seven, multiplied by the value of livestock equals the amount of compensation, according to the proposal. This proposal recognizes that for every animal confirmed as a wolf kill, there may be at least seven more kills that were made, but could not be found and confirmed.
For more details on the compensation plans, click on the link below.
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