Wolf group deadlocks

Polarizing views on how Utah should treat wolves that migrate into the state have deadlocked an advisory group working on a management plan.

Despite holding six meetings, the 13-member Wolf Working Group has made little progress and has now decided to form smaller groups to attempt to reach consensus on a plan. The group is made up of academics, hunters, wolf advocates, farmers, ranchers and county government officials.

"There is no way this group is going to be able to tackle tough issues with a consensus," said Division of Wildlife Resources director Kevin Conway.

"It is like abortion and gun rights. People carry strong views. Seldom do they change very far from where they started."

The group has now asked a Wyoming wildlife consultant to come up with a basic outline.

The advisory group is trying to develop contingency plans for wolves that might migrate into Utah and kill domestic livestock or put a dent in big game populations sought by hunters.

Conway said that if the advisory group cannot come up with a plan, his agency will write one in time to get it to the Utah Legislature, which wants a draft proposal by November.

The big predators will not be transplanted into Utah, but are expected to move into the state from Wyoming if they haven't already.