The first legal wolf hunting season has come to a close in the Northern Rocky Mountain states of Idaho and Montana for the year, but the controversy that surrounds the legality of the wolf hunt is still a hot topic.
We posted stories early on this past season’s wolf hunts and we want to keep you up to date on what else is going on regarding this highly debated subject.
Successful Idaho Wolf Hunter Robert Millage
As a member and supporter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, I received an e-mail from them with information on this highly contested issue. I’d like to share with our readers the RMEF’s involvement with this issue as it relates to the work they do maintaining sustainable elk herds in the rocky mountain west. We know that many of our readers would love the opportunity to call & hunt a wolf, an apex predator. If some of the so-called “conservation” groups have their way, not only will this opportunity go away, but the ability of states to manage wildlife within their borders will be diminished.
Below is an excerpt of a response written by David Allen, President and CEO of RMEF, to a letter written by Defenders Of Wildlife and Western Wildlife Conservancy. I think you will find this interesting.
“We would be happy to meet with you to discuss conservation issues and the destruction of specific herds of elk in North America. We believe; however, that your organizations and others are contributing greatly to perhaps one of the worst wildlife management disasters since the destruction of bison herds in the 19th century. Until the lawsuit relative to re-listing the wolves is settled or until you withdraw your support for such, there really isn’t much need to meet as we continue to be at opposite ends of this issue.
Once again, I will state that elk are not flourishing where wolves are present. Contrary to what you have suggested many times to claim otherwise is disingenuous and “cherry picking” data. Elk populations are being exploited at a high rate by predators, primarily wolves and somewhat by grizzly bears. However, since the introduction of the Canadian gray wolf into Yellowstone this exploitation has become worse for elk numbers in the same areas. Yet, you would have the public believe otherwise.”
To read both letters, click on the following links: letter from Defenders of Wildlife, and the response letter from RMEF
RMEF has a good understanding of the role hunting and hunters play in proper wildlife management, they also see the motivation these so called wildlife “conservation” groups have in halting or stopping hunting and hunters in this role.
If you would like to read more on the work the RMEF does or become a supporting member, please visit them at www.rmef.org
We urge you to stay informed regarding the wolf hunts, this is going to go on for some time. The chance to call & shoot a wolf in North America could be short lived. Thanks to organizations such as RMEF, that possibility is being contested vigorously.
Your comments on this are appreciated, let us know what you think!
Thank you,
Marc Reindell
marc@wildlifecallers.com
