[Waterman]

Rather than reading this theard in its entirety to answer a question I have, I will just ask. Is there a program that involves hasserment or hazing of wolfs to prevent conflicts with livestock? Either contractors or volunteers. Seems like a person in the area with the sole propose of running interference may be a solution.

[Ski]

Yes, there are multiple "programs" in place, some of which involve humans. They've tried flashing lights, "fladry" (strips of reflective material hanging on fence lines), and sound (think: FBI vs. David Koresh) They employ "range riders" to ride horses (or ATV's) and patrol the areas cattle are grazing. The range riders are paid (at least in part) by the State. The efficacy of those practices can be argued. The fact that men with large dogs have been watching herds of sheep for millennia is certainly not lost, but wolves are pretty wily creatures - their survival depends upon their creativity. I've resolved that nobody on either side of the issue will ever be completely happy, which is the way of most things anyway. I would just rather see the money we're spending go toward something which is actually constructive, like public education. Wolves is like owning a boat: a bottomless money pit. Monitor them, trap them, collar them, monitor them, and then shoot them when they behave like wolves. Wash, rinse, repeat ad nauseam. (* the wolf kill numbers are in that last URL I cited just above. ) The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. We could really make better use of the money and manpower. Hope you have good light to pore over those maps while it's raining.

[Waterman]

It seems like hazing of wolf's would be something I would volunteer for, that is if such a program exists. My upcoming retirement will afford me the luxury of volunteer work. I do need strong light for map reading. Especially for the green trails those and a large magnifying glass. The maps of the longbeach area are of of special interest. Thanks for your generosity in passing on that large collection maps.

[treeswarper]

Then you should talk to the game department instead of a discussion group. I'm assuming you live in the Puget Sound megalopolis? Can you handle living in an uber conservative tight knit community where most of the residents don't like wolves? Where you may find that there is "nothing" to do? Where there is poverty with a view? The Spokesman Review had a huge article on range riders. There may be a link to it somewhere in this thread. Can you ride an ATV or a horse? Can you fix fences? Move cows? Talk to people who are carrying guns? Lots of stuff to think about if you even can volunteer.

[Waterman]

I have found that the people who use this site have a wealth of information to share. Its only recently that I have given any thought to volunteer opportunities. Thanks for suggesting Spokesman Review.

[Ski]

Waterman - The Spokesman-Review article treeswarper is referring to concerned a man who was in the employ of WDFW, but apparently wasn't a real genius when it came to record keeping. There was an investigation of his less than ethical business practices. Not sure what became of that. You would want to contact WDFW regarding opportunities for range riders. The Long Beach area is kind of interesting. Made several trips over to Long Island. That "Ellsworth Unit" which is currently owned and administered by The Nature Conservancy was also an area of great interest. Most of my time in the Willapa Hills was on blackberry hunting missions.

[treeswarper]