BOISE -- An Idaho rancher said 34 lambs and ewes were killed by wolves and he's missing another 124 sheep he fears also fell victim to the predators.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has authorized federal trappers to shoot two wolves.

They're part of a new pack that may be establishing itself in a rugged, mountainous area of spruce and red fir just southeast of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Rancher Ron Shirts, a 39-year-old Weiser resident, says he began finding dead sheep from his flock of 2,500 starting August 26th.

He says, "the killing had to have gone on for a long time."

Though Shirts wants more wolves killed, state wolf specialist Steve Nadeau says his agents are still investigating how many predators were involved.

Control actions must be justified.