Montana legislature just passed a bill that changes the wolf from a predator to a species in need of management. The goal was a plan that is biologically possible, socially acceptable, and economically feasible. The plan calls for an MOU with Wildife Services to deal with livestock predation. Curt Hurless has been ranching since 1989 near Challis. Ranchers do not hate wolves.
Ranchers have a compassion for all animals.
Many ranchers do oppose wolf reintroduction. Direct losses are just a fraction of ranchers' costs due to wolves. Wolves make livestock stressed, lower calving rates, move cattle off of productive range, cluster cattle during calving causing losses, etc. Margaret Soulen Hinson has incurred more losses due to wolves than any other rancher in Idaho. Contacted Wildlife Services, slept alongside the sheep, female wolf was relocated.