Wolves Are An "Economic Boon?"

by
posted on August 12, 2013
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (28)

undefinedThe hunting of wolves has been a contentious issue over the past few years—at least in the regions where the canines happen to roam. As Dave Campbell noted, Wyoming only opened a season up last fall. Today we'll be discussing Michigan, which is the latest state to run into a spot of trouble.

This past May, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill that effectively paved the way for an eventual wolf season in his state's Northern Peninsula. According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, however, a group of Animal Rights Activists struck back earlier today by launching a petition to repeal the law, which was passed by the State Legislature. They hope that the petition will drum up enough support to sway things in their favor when the issue next goes to vote in Nov. 2014.

The original bill—which granted the state's Natural Resources Commission with the power to determine game species and hunting seasons without continual State Legislature oversight—was fiercely contested by a group of petitioners, with help from the Humane Society of the United States. It passed anyway, and a short, heavily monitored hunting season was set for this coming December. The season will be capped at 43 wolves, and will be held from Dec. 15 to 31.

The season will only be open in three of the state's northern most counties, where locals have repeatedly reported wolf attacks on their livestock and pets.

For the most part, the story's cut and dry: Like a number of states before it, Michigan is trying to tentatively open up a wolf season, and is being met with the inevitable resistance of HSUS. What I found entertaining, though, was the quote HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle offered up in the predator's defense:

“Wolves are an economic and ecological boon for the state of Michigan. They’re a tourist draw.”

Um... huh?

I'm still waiting for HSUS to provide some sort of evidence that people are flocking to Michigan's Northern Peninsula to see... wolves. I've seen folks trash hunting for a lot of different reasons (each effort as misguided as the last), but I don't think I've ever heard the "They're making the state money!" argument.

You see something new everyday, I suppose.

Latest

Photo 01 Lead
Photo 01 Lead

The Importance of Length of Pull

Phil Massaro discusses one of the most important stock features to consider for your rifle or shotgun.

Apex Adds .410-Bore to Its Mossy Oak Greenleaf Turkey TSS Blend

Apex Ammunition has added .410 bore to its popular line of Mossy Oak Greenleaf Turkey TSS shotshells.

Trump Signs Executive Order Strengthening Second Amendment

America’s millions of hunters and gun owners celebrate monumental order signed by President Donald J. Trump on Friday Feb. 7, to protect and expand Second Amendment rights.

NRA Foundation and HLF Donate $30K to CFM's Share the Harvest

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is proud to announce a strengthened partnership with the NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum (HLF) and the NRA Foundation through a generous $30,000 donation supporting Share the Harvest and the Snack Stick Program.

Browning Trail Cameras Launches Dark Ops FHDR40

Browning Trail Cameras has unveiled the Dark Ops FHDR40, a trail camera designed to excel in nighttime surveillance and high-resolution imaging.

Health Advisory Issued for New Mexico Hunters

A public health alert issued by the New Mexico Department of Health on Jan. 27 urged anyone who consumed wildlife from Holloman Lake, near Alamogordo, NM, between 2010 and 2024, to consult with their doctor or a medical professional.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.