Commissioners from the Idaho Department Fish and Game (IDFG) recently hosted a meeting in Coeur d’Alene to take comments on various issues. One of those included, “Commission direction on expenditure of Department funds.” IDFG gives $110,000 annually to the controversial Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board for the slaughter of wolves “for the protection of ungulates.” IDFG considers wolves a serious threat to the elk farm they are creating across the state.

The Idaho Legislature created the Wolf Depredation Control Board in 2014 to establish a funding mechanism for the killing of more wolves, in addition to the long wolf hunting and trapping seasons. The Legislature has appropriated $1.2 million during the past three years from the state general fund to the control board. Money from IDFG and the state Department of Agriculture funds the program, too. In 2015, approximately $6,000 was spent per wolf kill.

The recent meeting in Coeur d’Alene was well attended, with the majority of individuals speaking against the continued funding of aerial gunning operations, and the hiring of trappers to kill wolves in the Frank Church — River of No Return Wilderness. IDFG plays a central role in both. At the conclusion of the meeting, the commission announced that the funding would continue.

Is it any wonder the Legislature chooses not to properly fund the everyday needs of Idahoans when political hacks are running our state government and wildlife departments? It would be better to spend taxpayer money on education, health care and highway infrastructure.

BRETT HAVERSTICK

Moscow