Why a wolf hunt? It’s not because the wolf population is exploding and we need to “control” the wolves. No, the wolf population has remained stable, unchanged, for over 10 years, even while protected.
It’s not for livestock depredation. State experts agree that wolf depredation of livestock doesn’t impact agriculture in a meaningful way, with 88 verified complaints in 2011.
Moreover, a public hunt will do nothing to address depredation problems, which will continue to be handled as before with trappers dispatched to kill problem wolves and non-lethal techniques employed when possible.
It’s not because wolves are killing all the deer and we need to “manage” the wolf so there will continue to be a thriving deer population. The predator/prey relationship in nature has worked quite effectively over thousands of years, with natural fluctuations of abundance and scarcity.
On average, Minnesota deer hunters kill about 200,000 deer each year, with minor fluctuations from year to year. A harsh winter has more impact on deer populations than wolves do.
Now, however the Deer Hunters Association demands that the DNR permit their members to both harvest a deer, and “harvest” or shoot a wolf at the same time. Many wolves can be injured but not included in the dead count. Then wolves will be trapped, to get to the arbitrary quota of 400 wolves.
Wolves are considered to be a “keystone” species in a sustainable eco-tourism industry in Minnesota that is estimated at generating $400M annually for our state economy. Allowing wolves to be randomly killed for entertainment and sport will negatively impact this important economic input as eco-tourists will be turned off and will not be interested in travelling here to spend their money.
It’s a shame that the Minnesota DNR, Legislature, and our governor are willing to behave so recklessly as to significantly risk this sustainable industry at a time when most Minnesotans are more economically vulnerable than ever.
Let’s be clear. This is a trophy hunt for people who want pelts and something new to shoot. The wolf will not be killed for meat, but because it is the wolf. It is a trophy. I do not object to hunting. I object to hunting the wolf. The only reason for this hunt according to the wolf experts is that there are enough wolves to allow a hunt to “let off pent up pressure” to kill wolves.
The experts say that the hunt is for social purposes. That is, for the amusement of a small group of individuals, who want to experience the thrill of killing Minnesota’s most magnificent and enigmatic creature.
I intend to hold my elected officials accountable for their votes on this morally corrupt hunt. This hunt is bad for Minnesota’s wildlife, ecosystems, economics, and soul.
Some points for you and your readers to consider:
• The random killing of wolves will not reduce livestock-wolf conflicts,
but may increase them.
• 80 percent of DNR survey respondents, including hunters, oppose a wolf hunt.
• With lost federal protections, wolves are already being killed more readily due to lightened laws and penalties.
• A healthy wolf population supports healthy deer.
• Trapping is a brutal practice that inflicts severe pain and prolonged mental distress — sometimes a wolf will chew their own leg off, just to escape it.
Comments (17)
Add commentWriter Wrong
This writer obviously has no idea what the wolf population in our rural and forest areas has become. More non-sensical eco-talk.
Writer Wrong
This writer obviously has no idea what the wolf population in our rural and forest areas has become. More non-sensical eco-talk.
"Eco-tourists"
I am not sure what an eco-tourist is but it sounds like they fancy themselves as economy terrorists and I suspect they are a small gaggle of lefter meddler misfits. Maybe if they would park their Chevy Volts, get on their mopeds, and travel a few woodland trails they would learn that the wolf population did not stagnate at 3,000 more than ten years ago, in spite of the DNR's political correctness. Aronson's "facts" and conclusions are merely hair brained banter.
Opportunity for Jack Pine Savages to expand their horizons ...
Get in your pick em up and drive North to the Ely Wolf Center.
Most presentations are in the evening.
You too could actually " learn" all about wolves first hand from behind a bunch of large glass windows ,where its highly unlikely they will Huff and Puff and blow your house down.
Pretty amazing there is actually a hunting season on an endangered species , that was almost hunted to extinction previously.
I hope the Dinosaurs stay hidden !
Does anybody else
Smell p-e-t-a here?? morally corrupt?? You are like old cap there. Just another libby!!!
You don't know what an Eco-tourists is and yet you make a
comment. And a dumb one at that. Eco as in ecological. The eco-tourism industry, depending on where you are going, generates $50 million to $1.1 billion annually. There is in Ely, MN the International Wolf Center.They bring in approximately $70 million/year. As for the wolf population, it is estimated at around 3000. The writer is correct that this hunt is for nothing else but the thrill of killing. If they really want a hunt, I say go for no more that 10%, and no trapping. But you will have, as usual, a bunch of hyper blood thirsty fools rushing into the wilderness, while we will be reading our paper on who shot who (by accident of course), who shot themselves, or who got lost.
Pharm Boy , Keep killing all the Critters..
Everybody certainly understands how it must make you feel empowered.
Dont let yourself become part of one of those frequent accidents when where irresponsible gun owners , are greeted by a couple rounds from their own weapons they thought were actually protecting them.
Happens more than you may actually believe.
Accidents are tragic ?
Is your problem with PETA because your fur coat is out of style ?
Cap
Thanks for the idea. My wife would look good in wolf clothing. (oh she going to get me for that) I gave up hunting yrs ago except for pheasants if they ever make a come back where I grew up. By the way irresposible = libbys!!!
Behind glass windows.
No need to drive to Ely to see wolves, there are many of them right here. Why not see them in the wild, rather than in an artificial setting? Step out of your lefter meddler fantasy land and experience reality; it is not necessary to be a permanent sophomore.
Tommy Boy , I Live on the edge of a State Forest
I have Wolves in my yard , they help keep the Coyote population in check.
Im afraid your version of the " problem" is partially the result of too many television cartoons, bad judgement and lousy a attitude.
You better move somewhere where you dont feel threatened by your own shadow.
The thought of the educational part of the Intl Wolf Center presentations probably scares you as well. Dont worry theres no test at the end ...
Captron?
What difficulty have you had with coyotes that you believe requires wolves to keep them "in check"? Scared? Why do you cower behind a pseudonym to spill your leftist meddler baloney? Take a step into the light, you might feel better about yourself.
OK cap, did the world just tilt, or does it seem that you and I
are actually agreeing? While I understand that people may want to see wolves up close, not many want to see them in their back yard. But that really doesn't justify the slaughtering of an entire species for the sake of a bunch of blood thirsty individuals so they can have a good memory over their next beer. Sorry OFB, this is one of those times we will just have to agree to disagree.
Pd
I disagree with wife all the time. That is why this is fun.
BTW Have you ever been to St. Johns Tavern?? I just found out their last day open is this Sat. I can remember a glass at happy hour was 20 cents. I just might have to see if I can find that place again.
PD , Yes there is actual good reason why Wolves were protected
Its good to agree , however Im afraid Tommy Boy has emotional issues and is amused & excited by loud howling of multiple packs of coyotes.
He is exactly the kind of hunter who made me decide to quit hunting. Switched to a trap league.
Trap & Sporting clay shooters tended to be much better sportsman, and not only understood the conservation concept, they actually promote it.
After 30 years of stupid hunter tales from my 25 year veteran IA County Sheriff relative , and other law enforcement individuals in the US & Canada .
Then watching in person on way too many to list occassions
really dumb hunter actions , my course of action was pretty clear, since you cant fix , you know.... .
Sometimes its just best to leave armed, and irrational individuals to their own little worlds , and professional enforcement folks.
Always hoping of course , irrational & irresponsible "Hunters" and others around them will be protected from self inflicted hunting accidents of their own creation.
Wolves can DO IT ALL
If listening from some of these idiot wolf huggers one would think that wolves could pay off the National debt, end world hunger, they get Muslims to get along with the Jews.... wolves will end cancer, resolves the abortion issue & give us unlimited energy..... wolves will create a huge middle class, triple the amount of good moose habitat... they will end the suffering of animals, wolves will eat all the west Nile infected bugs....they will assist the paralyzed to the top of Rainier, teach English to cocker spaniel's, Wolves bring rain when needed, they will convince the pope that gay people have special healing powers, clean everyone's swimming pool, stop baldness, they make white people better basket ball players, wolves will get Obama re-elected, make cream cheese, and solve the Chicago Teachers strike!?
Wolves can DO IT ALL
If listening from some of these idiot wolf huggers one would think that wolves could pay off the National debt, end world hunger, they get Muslims to get along with the Jews.... wolves will end cancer, resolves the abortion issue & give us unlimited energy..... wolves will create a huge middle class, triple the amount of good moose habitat... they will end the suffering of animals, wolves will eat all the west Nile infected bugs....they will assist the paralyzed to the top of Rainier, teach English to cocker spaniel's, Wolves bring rain when needed, they will convince the pope that gay people have special healing powers, clean everyone's swimming pool, stop baldness, they make white people better basket ball players, wolves will get Obama re-elected, make cream cheese, and solve the Chicago Teachers strike!?
Wolf population stable?
Which idiot wolf hugger said that the population was "stable"..... The DNR KILLS around 200 of the trouble making vermin every year.....that's done on the GOVERNMENTS DIME! Local people are so sick of this animal another portion are killed via SSS.
The question is do we want the population to continue to move into areas where they get into trouble killing peoples pets and livestock? Wisconsin has such poor habitat that on AVERAGE an adult wolf has over a 100% chance of depredating on someone's livestock or pet over its lifetime!