Moose taken down by wolves

[SJB358]

Here is a picture story sent out by the NAHC. Pretty sorry to see that many wolves, and it goes to show how vulnerable big game is to an overabundance of wolves/predators. Scotty

http://www.huntingclub.com/Articles/Art ... 936&promo1

 

[DrMike]

I wonder if this was in Canada. I note that the site advertises for quite a few Canadian hunting destinations.

 

[SJB358]

No idea. Hope so though, you all can keep all the extra wolves! Just kidding, but they are some very keen predators. Doesn't look like a weak, or unhealthy animal to me, but it is hard to tell. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Wolves are efficient predators, to be certain. I know that when I hear they howling close by, there is an involuntary tension in my muscles and the hair on the back of my neck does rise up. The sounds is both beautiful and intimidating. I agree that the moose doesn't look unhealthy. However, the snow is somewhat deep and that gives the wolves an advantage.

 

[Elkman]

Those same pictures were posted in the country store in Avery Idaho last fall when I was there. Along side them was the pictures of the first legal Idaho wolf taken in Idaho by hunters.
Wolf reintroduction has been an economic and ecalogical disaster, the costs in lost $ to local communities has been mind boggeling. The states are also paying out millions of dollars for management and oversight. The wolf lovers are paying "nothing". Those that are living among them pay the most. They do not select the weak, they select whatever and whenever they can kill. The largest (formally) elk herd in the state of Idaho has been reduced by 70% and is no longer sustainable (more elk dying than can reproduce) so the impact will continue onward. For those that think this is a great idea we will import 20 0r 30 to your area then not allow you to hunt them for 10 years and see how you like them.

 

[DrMike]

As one Conservation Officer told me, one anti-hunter gathering signatures in Vancouver to ban wolf hunting will gather 5,000 signatures in one morning. However, they don't have to live with these critters. I was at the store a week ago when a gentleman brought in a large male with a massive melon. He shot the wolf while tending his cattle. He contended the wolf was stalking him, and I have no reason to doubt his word. Tree huggers and eco-freaks should be forced to live in areas that are heavily populated with grizzlies and wolves to discover how to live in harmony with them--and they should not be allowed to have any weapons!

 

[Elkman]

DrMike

You are right on. The wolf lovers will tell you (as you already know being from BC) that the wolves are part of the natural environment, which is true. But what most people don't understand that the ecosystem that could sustain wolves as the natural predators they are,disappeared when we started tilling the plains, moving to Oregon and essentially humanizing the planet. The vast areas that are necessary to sustain and keep the food supply and the predator at a balance are no longer in existance in the US. We have raped, pillaged, and modified it to such an extent that there really is no balance in nature. What we have is microchosoms/zones that are small and fragmented (in comparision to 100 years ago) and when we reintroduce a predator into these areas havoc reigns. Wolves don eat the old and weak they eat everything, the coyetes, grouse, rabbits, bears and whatever it is that over 1000 wolves can eat. As I said in my earlier post then the other users suffer and hunters as a group pay the price. :grin:

 

[Greg Nolan]

My 2 cents worth!

The eco-freaks are right :shock: All predators and prey should be allowed to live in a balanced eco-system. What they overlook is that" wolves, Grizzly bears and other minor predators" are NOT the dominant predator that decides what BALANCED is. Humans are! They also overlook the fact that their mis-guided understanding in these matters isn't helping the ecology or the wildlife of our country, It's only allowing them to be used and fleeced of their money.
I'm doing my part as I'm sure you are to convert people from PETA, the SPCA and the Sierra Club to worthwhile organizations that actually spend the money on preserving the animals and habitat instead of flashy, phony news articles and fund raising.
Sorry, but it helps to vent :evil:
Greg