RESPONSE
By rick meril, 5-11-10
George is so right on in his commentary on Elk and Deer hunters who only want"easy prey" in our forests and meadows.............The true sportsman recognizes that deer, elk, moose, pronghorn and caribou that are not being chased by wolves are simply "LARGE DOGS WITH ANTLERS" and not the finely tuned species that were placed on this earth. I know some hunters who are attuned with their surroundings when out in the bush and who thrill to actually pursuing and outsmarting their quarry.................as well as thrill to when their quarry eludes them through their agility, guile and smarts.
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat is the cornerstone of all true hunters...............all of them knowing that it is a sign of their knowledge of the ones they stalk in combinaion with their woodsman experience that periodically get them their deer............not some leisurely walk in the woods overpopulated with too many hoofed critters due to extirpation of wolves, bears and cougars by us human predators............
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat is the cornerstone of all true hunters...............all of them knowing that it is a sign of their knowledge of the ones they stalk in combinaion with their woodsman experience that periodically get them their deer............not some leisurely walk in the woods overpopulated with too many hoofed critters due to extirpation of wolves, bears and cougars by us human predators............
Never optimum fun to beat a "C" tennis player when you are an "A" player............much more satisfying to beat a fellow "A" or "A+" player knowing how much effort and focus that took to achieve victory................Same is true in the bush..................truly satisfying to claim a kill amidst all the other strong predators (wolves, bears, cougars) who are seeking to do the same. Keep all the cogs and wheels in the system and the system will yield trophy take............not overbrowsed terrain with non-vigilant deer and elk ripe for the unskilled weekend warrior.............Go George.........you have my vote!
http://www.coyotes-wolves-cougars.blogspot.com/ supports Wuerthner's views!!!!!!
http://www.coyotes-wolves-cougars.blogspot.com/ supports Wuerthner's views!!!!!!
Column IN NEW WEST(ONLINE PAPER ABOUT THE WESTERN STATES)
We Need Wolves To Be Wolves
Unfortunately, most hunters are single minded about what is important and ecological integrity takes a backseat to "getting their elk."By George Wuerthner, 5-11-10
RMEF and other prominent pro hunting organizations are demanding that wolves be "managed" so they will have little effect upon elk numbers which hunters' desire. This is not to suggest that wolves cannot influence ungulate numbers. Thankfully they can. Nor am I worried that wolves will go extinct if managed. But I do worry that wolves may not be permitted to exert their top down ecological footprint upon the land if they are managed to minimize their influence upon ungulate populations.
Here's the rub. If wolves are going to have an ecological influence upon prey species like elk, they will occasionally reduce elk and other prey numbers in some places at some time. Ungulate population will often stabilize at lower numbers. Other times they will--over time--rise again. But far too many hunters are impatient. They remember the "good old days" when they could blast elk without much effort
The presence of wolves has led to a reduction in coyotes. Since coyotes are the main predator on pronghorn fawns, the reduction in coyotes has led to more pronghorn.Wolves also produce carrion throughout the year that supports many scavenger species. Some ecologists have even suggested that extra carrion may help counter somewhat the effects of warmer winters due to climate change (in the past harsh winters killed many more elk and created a lot of carrion). These positive changes and more could only occur if wolves are left to "manage" their own numbers.
Unfortunately, most hunters are single minded about what is important and ecological integrity takes a backseat to "getting their elk." Not only are elk numbers lower in some areas, but research has shown that elk appear to be more alert and wary, and are moving around more than in the past. All of these changes mean it is more difficult to get "your" elk in some parts of the West these days.
I think some hunters resent wolves, bears, cougars and other predators because predators are competition and make them look incompetent. Far too many hunters are out of shape, and lack real hunting skills. They may know how to shoot a rifle, and can debate the merits of various rifle calibers, but that is different from knowing how to hunt. And when you have wolves and other predators on the land, you have to be a good hunter, in shape, and ever alert to be consistently successful.