ODFW approves lethal removal of Horseshoe Pack wolves
By Terry Murry on Friday, September 9th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has authorized a limited-duration kill permit against the Horseshoe Wolf Pack in Umatilla County. The agency said that all non-lethal measures have failed to stop depredations. The livestock producer or their agents can take up to two wolves between now and Oct. 7.
The producer requested the permit after ODFW confirmed two acts of depredation on a private land grazing allotment within three weeks. Two calves were killed. The wolf plan rules define chronic depredation as a minimum of two confirmed depredations in nine months. The two acts occurred on Aug. 16 and Sept. 2.
The agency said the livestock producer has employed human presence as a means of discouraging depredation. There are frequent checks on the animals in the pasture in the mornings, evenings, and occasionally throughout the night. In addition, the producer has camped with the cattle for more than 40 nights to monitor the herd. ODFW reports the producer has also hazed wolves in the pasture on multiple occasions, including once when a wolf was actively pursuing cattle.
It is required that there is nothing on the property, like bone piles or carcasses, that attract wolves. ODFW has searched for those and other attractants and found none. Meanwhile, the livestock producer will continue to employ non-lethal measures to deter depredation.
Based on the most recent wolf count (2021) the Horseshoe Pack consists of three adults and five yearlings. ODFW says it is unknown if there are pups in the pack. The permit allows the producer or agents to shoot two wolves in the pasture where the depredations occurred. Use of that permit will add to the ongoing human presence, which ODFW believes will serve as a non-lethal deterrent.
While the producer can take up to two wolves, ODFW has authorized the taking of up to four wolves. Staff has no immediate plans to assist in lethally removing wolves, but could take that action if the situation escalates.
File photo from the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association
