Compensation limits would fall short for many ranchers, opponent says

By STEVE BROWN

Capital Press

OLYMPIA -- One bill limiting compensation for ranchers who lose livestock to wolves and another allowing ranchers to kill wolves if caught attacking livestock have been introduced in the state Senate.

Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, introduced Senate Bill 6139, which would set a cap of $50,000 per year on the compensation the Department of Fish and Wildlife could pay from its wildlife account for claims due to wolf attacks on livestock.

Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, introduced SB6137, which would provide an affirmative defense for killing a wolf caught in the act of attacking livestock. The defense would be allowed only where wolves have been taken off the federal endangered species list -- the eastern third of the state -- and only if the WDFW was notified within 72 hours.

Dave Ware, game department manager of the WDFW, which requested SB6139, said the bill seeks to balance the needs of humans and wildlife. It would also add the gray wolf to the state's definition of big game.

"Zero dollars and zero cents have been appropriated for compensation," said Jack Field, of the Washington Cattlemen's Association. He described how a wolf pack in northeastern Oregon had 19 confirmed livestock kills.

"Two incidents could potentially take that tool off the table" by depleting the funds, he said.

Heather Hansen, speaking for the Cattle Producers of Washington, said the bill addresses only livestock that wolves attack, not the stress that a wolf's presence creates in the herd. Stress in cattle reduces weight gains, costing ranchers money.

"Cattle producers will be left holding the bag for something they don't have any control over," she said.

Concerning his bill, Schoesler said current law requires landowners to contact the WDFW before taking action.

"In the real world, you can't call a fish and wildlife officer" when wolves are attacking cattle, he said.

He said an animal that has no fear of humans "becomes bolder and bolder." He called SB6137 "a modest means of keeping the animals wild and protecting livestock."

Field said he wants "to keep honest hard-working folks from becoming criminals."

Both bills were discussed by the Senate Committee on Energy, Natural Resources and Marine Waters.