Aerial wolf hunting: Is more on the way?
With gray wolves expected be removed from the endangered species list later this month, one can only wonder whether this kind of hunting -- now limited to Alaska -- will start taking place in other states.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to officially de-list wolves in February.
And even without the de-listing, which is being contested, federal rules have been revised to give state wildlife managers in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana greater discretion over when and for what reasons they can allow the killing of wolves.
The revision lets northern Rocky Mountain states to allow wolf hunting when wolves have attacked livestock animals and dogs, or when they threaten the numbers of other "game," such as deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, antelope and bison.
There's a possibility both Wyoming and Idaho will look into permitting aerial hunting of wolves as a result of the changes, according to the organization that made this video, Defenders of Wildlife.
Meanwhile, in Alaska, the killing continues -- nearly 700 wolves have been brought down by shots fired from above since 2003, even though voters have twice voted to restrict the practice.
Comments
I hope that in my lifetime I will see a nation that no longer tolerates the killing of animals for "fun." There is simply no justifable reason to allow and encourage the hunting of wolves, and particularly so brazenly cowardly, from airplanes. Countless studies of these animals shows their deep, faithful family values -- much more admirable, I am certain, than the hucksters who market their flying services to thrill-seeking shooters. Any revenue gained from these aerial events could easily be converted to paid "wolf tours," "howling trips," etc, or even fees that alllow individuals to assist in the tagging and protecting the health of wolves under the instruction and guidance of professionals. I have watched many videos, and have been fortunate to personally witness, hardcore hunters who come into contact with wolves in such settings. Every single person has the same stunned, awestruck expression as they gently stroke the muscular massiveness and thick fur of a temporarily sedated wolf. Their thirst for the "sport" of killing these animals is changed after such an encounter. The many voices of protest, and the facts of these current-government-encouraged activities, must be heard regularly and loudy. Thanks, John, for helping to enlighten the Sun's readers. It will be a tough year under Bush's ignorant disregard for nature and wildlife until a new president can reverse his repugnant appointees and laws.
Posted by: EighteenPaws | February 1, 2008 11:38 AM
The Canadian author, Farley Mowat, describes just such an aerial slaughter of Arctic wolves in his book "Never Cry Wolf," which was published in 1963. In that instance, the wolves were blamed for killing off the local caribou population. Mowat's observation was that the wolves killed off only the old, ill, and unfit animals. That observation underlined the local Inuit saying that "the wolf makes the caribou strong." It's a bloody shame that we haven't learned anything in the intervening 45 years.
Posted by: Anne | February 1, 2008 7:38 PM
Glad you brought attention to this important issue.
There is not much I can add to what EighteenPaws said other than it is well said, and that I, too, strongly disagree with the hunting of wolves and, yes, aerial hunting is extremely cowardly.
Since the majority of Alaskans are against this, I don't understand why a new governor isn't voted in by the same majority of voters who are against these aerial hunts?
Posted by: Linda | February 1, 2008 8:22 PM