The Idaho Senate has voted unanimously, 35-0, in favor of SB 1086, legislation to set up a system for hunting tags for wolves under state management once they’re removed from the endangered species list. “Let me tell you, hunting is part of the rural culture in Idaho, especially in my district,” said Senate Resources Chairman Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow.

Sen. Mike Burkett, D-Boise, said, “The thing that I think is common ground for everyone on this issue is that we need to have this back in control of the state of Idaho. … It’s one very important step forward regardless of which side of the wolf issue you land on.”

Schroeder said hunting groups, environmental groups and more have come out in support of the bill, and he hasn’t heard from anyone who opposes it. “We are going to manage them the same way as we do the other large carnivores, bears and cougars,” he said.