As feds prepare to delist gray wolf in Idaho and Montana, hunters polish their rifles

Boise Will Be Boys

In Idaho and Montana, the impending removal of Endangered Species Act protections for the gray wolf has sportsfolk salivating. The wolf, reintroduced to the region a decade ago, is blamed for killing elk and other critters that hunters want around so they can kill 'em themselves. At a rally in Idaho last week, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter pledged to allow the hunt of all but 100 of the state's roughly 650 wolves, saying he'd be first in line for a permit. The riled-up crowd of 300 hunters included one carrying a sign that read, "Wolves are illegal immigrants too." In more promising endangered-species news, the somewhat less bloodthirsty crowd at London's Zoological Society has launched the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered project. With the help of students, EDGE will aim to protect 100 of the world's most unusual at-risk species, including the bumblebee bat, the pygmy hippopotamus, the golden-rumped elephant shrew, and the Butch otter. Oh wait, sorry -- got our notes mixed up again.

straight to the source: San Francisco Chronicle, Associated Press, Jesse Harlan Alderman, 11 Jan 2007

straight to the source: Casper Star Tribune, Associated Press, 12 Jan 2007

straight to the source: The Idaho Statesman, Rocky Barker, 12 Jan 2007

straight to the source: BBC News, 16 Jan 2007

ADVERTISING POLICY

Comments: (6 comments)

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Wolf cull

It seems to me that if outsiders' positions are as polarized as those of the Idaho residents absolutely-for and absolutely-against the hunting of wolves, the best recourse for non-Idahoans that oppose the proposed measures (open season on wolves) is to stop buying Idaho-produced goods (I mean potatos) out of protest. Alternately, make super expensive (refundable) reservations for your family of eight at Sun Valley ski resort, then promptly cancel them a day or two later because of the big wolf kill supported by the state.
That'll show them(?)

"My cats' breath smells like rat poo."

by Hillbilly Goat Says Baa at 3:47 PM on 16 Jan 2007

"evolutionarily distinct"

I definitely can identify with that label.

On the hunter-folk of Idaho: Sorry, I know we are supposed to be trying to understand them and to be sympathetic regarding their issues; but no, in a case like this, they are just beyond me.

And I doubt any economic pressure would work, Hillbilly, unless it was truly widespread. People with guns in Western and Southern states tend to be all the more encouraged by the opposition of people like us.

Can neighboring states apply legal pressure? Oregon, and perhaps now Washington as well, have their own wolves at this point, who presumably crossed Idaho from the Rocky Mountains on the Idaho/Montana border, or from Yellowstone. Can Oregon and Washington demand that Idaho preserve a hunting-free wolf corridor, between their states and Montana and Yellowstone?

As for the elk, they are hardly endangered on account of 650 wolves. And most gregarious herbivores do not seem to suffer from the loss of a not closely related member of the herd: "Good, that one is gone, so now there is more forage for me." Or, in a more Larsonesque tone, "Good, they got Phyllis. You could never get a word in edgewise with that cow. And the way she would make goo-goo eyes at my husband was positively disgusting."

Chickens deserve our true friendship! So do fish! So do other sentient beings! Let us learn to be kind.

by caniscandida at 12:56 AM on 17 Jan 2007

Boise will be boys

methinks we should get a posse together and go out and round up the hunters in Idaho and let them face the wolves one on one with no weapons.

Just like we do it in Brooklyn, mano a mano.

Kind of a natures fight club.

by bustermcm at 4:59 AM on 30 Jan 2007

Wolf Cull

I think this is a great idea Hillbilly

I have spent time in Idaho and it wouldn't take much to stress it out economically.

Also everyone needs to stop watching Boise State football.

by bustermcm at 5:01 AM on 30 Jan 2007
[ Parent ]

"illegal immigrants"

That sign, by that Idaho hunter, is remarkably stupid -- wolves were in Idaho long before that hunter's ancestors, no doubt --, and a bit frightening to those of us who have a concern for the well-being of undocumented aliens.

So sure, Buster and Hillbilly, lead the anti-potato charge. Maybe you should start with a website, with links to foody, animal-welfare and environmentalist blogs.

At this point, the de-listing is in the works. Our Gristmill pal Amazing DrX reports that up by him in Wisconsin, the wolf-bashing fervor is intense, in certain circles at least if not generally.

No solid news yet from northern New England and the Adirondacks.

On the complaint of hunters, that there are no longer enough elk and deer on account of all the wolves: That is ill-informed. It is indeed possible that the elk and deer are more wary and alert. But what that means, is that the hunters are themselves lazy, inferior-quality hunters, and believe themselves to be entitled to shoot and kill things with a minimum of effort and forestcraft on their part.

So which better expresses the spirit of bold American free-enterprise: 1. When competition is tough and smart, you have to get tougher and smarter; or 2. When competition is tough and smart, you have to get the governor on your side, and shoot them dead?

Chickens deserve our true friendship! So do fish! So do other sentient beings! Let us learn to be kind.

by caniscandida at 6:06 AM on 30 Jan 2007

hmmmm...

I for one am glad to hear that the Grey Wolf has been "de-listed". Success. Those who are toting guns and irrational signs never wanted the wolves to begin with. What did you expect?
I am however curious if those of you who are opposed to this would be in favor of unchecked population growth within the forest community?
Are 650 wolves not enough? Would you rather see that they grew to great numbers only to suffer from diseases and malnourishment?
Sure human disruption is the leading cause of wolf eradication, we have acknowledged that, dealt with it as responsibly as can be expected and have made progress in attempting to restore the natural community. An unchecked wolf population will put additional stress on other woodland creatures that are susceptible to wolf predation. Shouldn't the decisions concerning wildlife populations be left to biologists?

by martincj at 12:50 PM on 28 Mar 2008

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