Sanity In Wolf Management

Mar 14

Will wonders never cease? The Ninth Circuit Court has upheld the U.S. Congress in its recent de-listing of the wolf from the Federal Endangered Species Act in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, the three states involved in the experimental re-introduction program begun in 1995. The project's goals were achieved years ago, but, predictably, animal-rights groups repeatedly sued to block implementation of the original program, which called for State management after the population reached 300 wolves. As a result, wolf numbers doubled, quadrupled and finally reached levels five to six times above agreed objectives. Elk populations in parts of the wolves' range have plummeted as much as 90 percent. Throughout the "battles," professional wildlife biologists from the three states plus the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service were ignored or overruled while wolf depredation increased to intolerable levels for many folks living with the wolves -- and all of the elk, deer and moose the wolves were eating. Not that there's anything wrong with wolves killing and eating wild game. That's what they were designed to do. However, death by wolf is what animal-rights activists claim to oppose -- unnecessary pain and suffering. That's why they agitate to end human hunting, farming, medical research, zoos, circus acts, pet ownership and the like. Yet they support unregulated numbers of wolves which kill large prey through a long, painful, drawn out process. Moose and elk are frightened, harassed, chased, repeatedly bitten and finally eaten to death. Sometimes this takes days. But those opposed to human's unfairly killing deer instantly with "high-powered, scoped rifles!" because it is unfair and too cruel -- well, they make an exception for wolves. But I digress. Apparently the scientists defending their decision to de-list wolves because they are fully recovered had evidence compelling enough to force the infamously pro-animal rights Ninth Circuit Court to uphold Congress's decision. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, an organization of hunters who have raised millions to save critical elk habitat across the country, send out the following news release:

Ninth Circuit Court Upholds Congressional Wolf Delisting MISSOULA, Mont.: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed the constitutionality of Congress' removal of wolves from the federal endangered species list. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation applauded the decision. Attorneys representing RMEF and other conservation groups had presented oral arguments supporting the Congressional action, wolf delisting and science-based, state-regulated management and control of wolf populations. "This is a huge win for real wildlife management in the U.S.," said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. "We're thrilled with the favorable ruling because it upholds the law as well as science and common sense. This decision helps clear the way for continued work by true conservationists to balance wolf populations with other wildlife and human needs." Allen suspects the plaintiffs will appeal their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. He said, "I'm hopeful that a Congressional act, multiple courtroom defeats and an American public that is clearly tired of this legal wrangling will encourage our opponents to give up and cede responsible wolf management to conservation professionals in each state. But we'll have to wait and see." RMEF continues to fight wolf lawsuits and support delisting legislation at both federal and state levels.

Good for the RMEF. Good for hunters. Good for the Ninth Circuit Court. And darn good for elk. # # #

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