Wolf Pages

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Some Interesting Letters to the Editor (TY @nywolforg)

Michigan
By MLive Detroit guest opinion
on July 15, 2014

Thank you for your article Native American opponents of Michigan wolf hunt call rationale irrational. I’m not Native American. And I don’t live in Michigan. But my grandfather was born and raised there and I’m sure this hunt has him spinning in his grave. Because it IS irrational. And it is a disgrace to the state of Michigan.

There is no scientific basis for a Michigan wolf hunt. Further, Michigan voters signed last year to get the hunt put on the ballot so that the voters could make the decision. Tons of Michigan voters. Yet their voices were negated as Michigan legislature and the DNR passed new rulings and the people were silenced and a hunt took place. Twenty-three lives lost for no reason.

This time the wolf hunt IS on the ballot. But will voters really get to decide, or will the political maneuvering that is taking place silence the people one again?

I don’t like wolves being killed. There is no reason for it. I also don’t like the voice of the people being squashed. There’s no reason for that either. And if it can happen in Michigan, how long before my voice in California is silenced as well?

So I am asking what I know Grandpa would have asked. Listen to the people. And take any wolf hunt off the table. For good.

-Janet Hoben
source

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 Wisconsin

Wolf hunt only perpetuates irrational hatred


It is unfortunate a wolf season was written without wildlife professionals, allowing hound dog packs to hunt wolves. Because now, hunters can train hounds on wolves with no restriction and few exceptions year-round, possibly by 2015.

Such training creates many problems.

January and February are breeding season when wolves are most intensely territorial. Wolves attack canine intruders – especially dogs. Hound packs will chase pregnant female wolves during most of their pregnancy, from February to April.

Unlike hound training on bears, bobcats, and raccoons where the animal ends up treed, or coyotes that end up shot, there is no endpoint for a wolf chase.

The training season could occur for 8 months before the next hunting season begins. Repeatedly running wolves that are not harvested is a tormenting activity, and invites illegal killing if wolves are unwanted. Numerous hunters would be included that will never have a chance to hunt wolves. Few dog trainers will win wolf permits in the limited lottery.

Wolves would be chased by anyone with hounds while simultaneously hunted and trapped during an overlapping four-and-a-half month long wolf season. A state wolf expert told me this is not “training,” but a system of legalized wildlife harassment.

Training dogs on wolves is a bad idea. Wisconsin has unleashed an irrational hatred of wolves, and truly abandons hunting regulations based upon ethics.

Shirley Clements
Fond du Lac

 source

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