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Posted by Wendy (69.22.232.86) on 18:14:30 12/10/12
In Reply to: Wolf question to all posted by George Dwyer
1) why is there a wolf hunt in the first place? Are there really too many wolves?
Part of the overall plan to restore wolves to suitable habitat in the Northern Rocky Mountains included a provision that the states take over management of the wolf populations once their population was stable and sufficiently
"recovered" and thus removed from the Endangered Species list. There is no one answer as to whether there are "too many" wolves or not. It depends on what one values most.
2. What is your honest opinion on the wolf hunt?
Dave has stated his. Please allow me to state mine. I am a wildlife advocate with homes in NYC and Bozeman, MT. I do not share the mind-set of those who kill wildlife except for food or to save a life. I nonetheless believe that a well-regulated hunt, based on science and common sense, is compatible with a healthy population of wolves in the Rocky Mountains.
I feel each states current rules are flawed, Wyoming's the most. I feel the current rules pander too much to a loud crowd and to traditions that have outlived their usefullness. I also feel that the whole system is woefully administered.
Dave believes re-introduction was not needed in his area and he is probably right. But wolves would not have made it alive into other suitable parts of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming in sufficient numbers without the boost of re-introduction. I, for one, am glad they were given that boost. I watched 06 for all her adult life, five years. She was an exceptional wolf and had a distinct personality, as did 754M, whom I have watched since late 2009. The science that accompanied
re-introduction is ongoing and important, and continues to teach us a great deal about wolf behavior in a classroom open to all.
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