The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) distributed a brochure that misleads the public about a binding legal order limiting recreational wolf trapping in the state’s grizzly bear habitat when the bears are active on the landscape. In March 2024, Federal Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale issued an order prohibiting Idaho from authorizing wolf trapping and snaring in Idaho’s Panhandle, Clearwater, Salmon, and Upper Snake regions between March 1 and November 30 on public and private lands to prevent the unlawful harm or killing of Endangered Species Act-protected grizzly bears.

In the brochure, IDFG incorrectly states that wolf trapping and snaring may commence as early as September 10, a time when grizzlies are especially active as they stock up on food and forage before going into their dens for the winter. In a short disclaimer, the brochure states,

“Idaho wolf trapping seasons are the subject of a lawsuit in federal court. Before placing wolf traps, trappers are responsible for checking the website to confirm what seasons are open: idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game.”

The URL goes to a web page where users can download the updated brochure which includes updates to the wolf trapping season based on the judge’s order on pages 81-83.

“Judge Dale’s decision isn’t a footnote; it is a final, binding legal order. IDFG is sending muddied information that may turn otherwise law-abiding trappers into poachers and could end with injured or dead grizzly bears,” said Ben Scrimshaw, Earthjustice attorney.

Background:

In July 2021, Idaho expanded the dangers of wolf-trapping to grizzly bears by establishing a permanent wolf-trapping season on private property across the state, eliminating limits on the number of wolves one person can kill, and providing financial incentives for wolf killing by raising wolf quotas and introducing state-sponsored, private-contractor killing of wolves.

Earthjustice represented the Center for Biological Diversity, Footloose Montana, Friends of the Clearwater, Gallatin Wildlife Association, Global Indigenous Council, the Humane Society of the United States, International Wildlife Coexistence Network, Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, Sierra Club, Trap Free Montana, Western Watersheds Project, Wilderness Watch, and Wolves of the Rockies in the lawsuit challenging that permanent season.