These wolf threads are so full of emotion, and so short on facts.
During the EA and EIS process, there was over-whelming support of wolf reintroduction in all 3 states. In fairness to Wyoming, there was less support than either MT or ID. In the comments received during the EA/EIS process a vast majority of local, as well as out of state comments, favored wolf reintroduction.
So, to say that Wyoming didn't want them is just not correct when the comments submitted didn't reflect that. If those that are whining about wolves now, didn't comment then...well, I don't feel sorry for them. There were more comments received during the open comment period on wolves than any other EA process ever.
Also, its not accurate to blame the USFWS for any of this. Early on in the process, the USFWS actually lowered the number of required breeding pairs, to a total population number. This was done because the average pack size was much larger earlier in the recovery, and they knew that the total population would be wayyy past required numbers if breeding pair status was met.
From the get-go, Wyoming and their plan have been the problem. The EIS is crystal clear, and all three states agreed to the provisions found in same. One of the requirements to delist was for ALL three states to have approved plans. If one state plan was not acceptable, then delisting couldn't move forward. That is the reason that delisting was delayed in MT and ID. Wyoming would not change their plan, even at the request of MT and ID, so it was delayed. Finally, MT and ID had enough of Wyoming playing Marlboro man. They successfully passed the Simpson/Tester rider and gained management control without being bound by Wyoming's lack of an approved plan.
It is ridiculous that Wyoming just didn't designate wolves as a big-game animal statewide. The dual classification was the problem, and by simply making them a big-game animal statewide, dropping the dual classification, we would have been hunting wolves for the last several years here. But, politics being what they are, and an unwillingness to compromise within the system, Wyoming wolves are still not being managed by the State.
What should have happened is drop the dual classification. Classify as trophy/big-game statewide. In the recovery areas set a quota and a season to ensure long-term sustainability to keep them off the list. Outside the recovery area, still require a permit, still classify as a trophy animal, just have a 365 day season and no quota.
As to this particular issue, its a non-starter. Wolves kill big-game. So do lions, bears, and people. How is this any different than a mature tom mountain lion killing a deer and only eating the nose, and other choice pieces and leaving the rest? It happens all the time, and in some cases, lions will kill another deer before they feed on a cold carcass.
Saying that we should wipe out wolves, lions, or bears because they kill some big-game is akin to saying humans should stop hunting because a few guys get into a herd of elk and kill a gob of them. Or stop hunting because big-game is shot every year and lost by both archery and rifle hunters. I can assure you, there are 19 elk a day, shot and lost in Wyoming every day of archery and/or rifle seasons. How many deer, elk, and antelope are poached every day? How many are hit by vehicles? How many does a bad winter kill?
No question that wolves, bears, lion, coyotes, etc. all need to be properly managed, but its ridiculous to think that wolves are going to "wipe out" big-game in Wyoming or anywhere else their found.
If that were true, I seriously doubt each hunter in Wyoming could kill 3 elk a season, 2 buck deer, 2 buck pronghorn, at least 4 each of antlerless deer and pronghorn.
I say manage all the wildlife in a responsible manner...based on science, carrying capacity, etc.
Do that, and predators killing some big-game is no big deal.