Wolves Delisted

[jscheetz]

Friday the Rocky Mt Gray Wolf was taken off the federal threatened and endangered species list. Report said FWP was "pleased". Of course they were - they don't like being told what to do up there much.

As someone who has followed this and been semi involved with the entire restoration process, I disagree with the delisting, but if they feel the pop is where they want it to be then they will move forward on it - and I can certainly rejoice in the fact that it has come this far. The legal challenges mentioned are that several suits have been filed to stop the delisting, but I doubt it will be changed.

But the troubling part to me was this also in the report -

The pending legal challenge is also affecting the sale of hunting licenses for a wolf-hunting season recently adopted by the Montana’s FWP Commission. Officials said none would be offered for sale until Montana is assured a wolf-hunting season could occur.

Are we humans as a species only interested in other species if we can hunt them for sport? I mean, can't we just let another animal live and exist and value it for it's own unique place in the world as one of God's creatures? Do we have to have a season on everything? It is a strange world we have created from God's Eden.

Anyway, just how I see things -

JS

[Al Agnew]

FWP is basically looking for anything they can do to both "control" wolf populations, and make the anti-wolf people a bit happier. I figure that things will settle down to where the parks have thriving wolf populations, but there will be darned few wolves outside the parks.

I too was involved in the restoration effort...produced a couple of fund-raising posters that ended up raising a whole lot of money for education and for compensating ranchers for losses due to wolves. I've spent days watching the Lamar Valley pack in Yellowstone, and have found wolf tracks just up the side of the mountain from where our cabin is in Montana. I too rejoice that there are wolves in the West once again...it's a richer place with wolves in it.

[gonefishin]

Just my two cents but I am glad they put them in someone elses backyard. As is always the case they have opened a problem that they wont realize or admit until it bites them in the posterior. They dont care how many problems they cause others and won't care until they personally get bit.

[jscheetz]

Hey Al, You are a bit more kind towards the FWP than I would tend to be, but at least they went through with the restoration in the first place - but it was not without fairly stiff opposition. From what I have seen up there they have some big supporters by way of gun and hunting lobbyists who usually get their way. But I think the wolves will have a stand in the parks - but I'm sure you know that many of the "locals" up there have thought there was a season on them all along.

But you are indeed correct with it being more rich up there - I too have spent many hours watching the Lamar and Slough creek wolves. It has been some of the most beautiful sounds I have heard sitting in the valley at dawn and hearing the wolves howl - seems as though everything is right with the world at that moment.

gonefishin - good to hear from you. Are you getting out and hauling any fish in lately? I should have known mentioning regulating killin something would bring you out like a taney trout to a big hunk of cheese. Love ya!

JS

[Trav]

If I was a rancher I would be relieved. Be nice to kill the varmits legally.

[taxidermist]

Removing them proves that the restocking has been a success!

Once a good popualtion is established the best way to protect them is thru conservation not preservation.

What you should be more offended and concerned by is people like Ted Turner and David Letterman putting up high fences to prevent deer, pronghorn and other large game from moving in the ranges.

[gonefishin]

gonefishin - good to hear from you. Are you getting out and hauling any fish in lately? I should have known mentioning regulating killin something would bring you out like a taney trout to a big hunk of cheese. Love ya!

JS

LOL Well at least they de-listed them. I agree with Teddy Rosevelt that wolves and other dangerous critters should be controlled not encouraged.

Yep, I have been catching a few fish. Havent kept any so far but, the season isnt over yet. If I get into some male crappies I will break out the fryer.

[jscheetz]

What you should be more offended and concerned by is people like Ted Turner and David Letterman putting up high fences to prevent deer, pronghorn and other large game from moving in the ranges.

True Taxi - but if there weren't all the rednecks riding their 4 wheelers wherever they want hunting wherever they want then the fences might not be necessary. I can tell you the attitude up there is that no one should be allowed to put up a fence or no hunting sign - and it AIN'T due to concern for the wildlife movement!

Well at least they de-listed them. I agree with Teddy Rosevelt that wolves and other dangerous critters should be controlled not encouraged.

GF that's exactly why I think abstinence should be taught in the schools.

JS

[B MOELLER]

Can't wait to get my wolf licence