Signed by Governor Dave Freudenthal

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill to manage the gray wolf population

Highlights:

-Suspends the implementation of the act until gray wolves are removed from the endangered species list and all related lawsuits have been settled [§2.23-1-109]. -Designates an area in which gray wolves will be considered trophy game [§3.11-6-302, §3.23-1-101]. -Allows the governor to negotiate the boundaries of the this area with the federal government, within stated limits, in order to facilitate the removal of the gray wolf from the endangered species list [§3.23-1-101(b)]. -Requires the Game and Fish Commission to set hunting seasons and bag limits for wolves within these areas [§3.23-1-304(a)] -Requires the Game and Fish Commission to ensure that at least 7 breeding pairs of gray wolves live in the state [§3.23-1-304(a)]. -Requires the Game and Fish Commission to monitor and control the gray wolf population to ensure no negative impact on big game herds and hunting opportunities [§3.23-1-304(e)]. -Authorizes the Game and Fish Commission to issue permits to private landowners to kill wolves when they endanger livestock and other domestic animals [§3.23-1-304(g)]. -Requires the commission to establish a program to compensate livestock owners for loss as a result of wolf predation [§3.23-1-304(o)].

Full Bill Text