Okanagan Wolf Kill

[bigchef]

How is it possible that with a wolf population of 50-150, the powers that be allow hunters to kill up to 2 wolves each in our area? Why would they be hunting them any way? Are they going to eat them? This is pathetic. There is absolutely no reason to be hunting wolves in our area, at all! This is not a conservation matter, nor is it of huge concern to ranchers. The amount of ranchers that lose livestock to wolves is negligible and ranchers genrally take these losses into account. One would think that in this day and age of environmental concern, that we would be far more careful with which beurocratic morons we let make decisions like this.

[Triple 6]

Trophy Hunting?

[good-cause-girl]

Not to sound uncaring for the dogs, but what is the difference between these wolves
and the huskies that were slaughtered?

I understand one was domesticated but both are of the same family.

Why is one okay and the other brings protests and sad vigils?

To me they are both animals with a right to live. Both dogs.

And yes,,,, if they are not a threat or to be used for food, then why the hunt?

[grammafreddy]

http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-st ... .htm#85707

Okanagan wolf hunt
by The Canadian Press - Story: 85707
Jan 11, 2013 / 5:46 am


Photo: Contributed
A grey wolf is shown in this undated file photo provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(With files the Ministry of Environment)

Hunters and trappers in the Okanagan can now kill up to three wolves.

Government wildlife biologist Brian Harris says the number of wolf packs in the Okanagan has grown in the decades since the creatures were almost wiped out.

According to the 2012 Ministry of Environment's draft management plan for the grey wolf there are anywhere from 50 to 150 wolves in the region.

There has not been a reported harvest of wolfs in the Okanagan since 1993, when two wolves were killed.

According to the study, wolf sightings have been increasing in recent years, suggesting that the population is also increasing. Although there are now sightings throughout the region, the highest concentration has been in the northeast. There was very strong support from local stockmen, sportsmen, trappers, and guides to initiate a wolf hunting and trapping season.

The Ministry of Environment says there are up to 400 wolves in the Thompson and as many as 1250 in the Cariboo, in parts of these regions there is no bag limit.

Fish and wildlife manager Jeff Morgan says the no-limit policy started in August is not a threat to the wolf population, given the terrain and how difficult it is to bag a wolf.

He says the region is mountainous with thick forest so the risk of killing too many wolves is low.

The plan indicated wolf populations are likely stable or increasing across the province and are not considered an 'at-risk' species. The wolf population was estimated to be approximately 8,500 which is similar to an earlier estimate of 8,100 in 1991.

In the Okanagan and Thompson regions the hunting season for wolves started September 10 and runs to June 15. The trapping season runs from October 15 to March 31.
The Canadian Press

[bigchef]

Who said it was ok to kill the Huskies at Whistler? Didn't the guy go to jail or something? Anyways this thread is about hunting wolves. It's sick!

[grammafreddy]

Who said it was ok to kill the Huskies at Whistler? Didn't the guy go to jail or something? Anyways this thread is about hunting wolves. It's sick!

Would you want a wolf den in your back yard or even in your neighbourhood?

[bigchef]

??? What has that got to do with anything? No, i would like wolves to live in the forest, where they usually stay. Haven't heard of any wolf dens in backyards lately. What is your point? That wolves should be all killed because they might one day in the far future build a den in someones backyard?

It will only take 20 hunters to effectively wipe out the entire wolf population given the allowances for this hunt.

[baconbits]

I also find it hard to imagine given the numbers presented of wolves in the area that there is good reason to open this hunt.

The idea of trapping is a discussion for another thread, but I must say it's absolutely inhumane. Not a way to hunt in my opinion. Plus how many other animals get killed in these traps?!

If I lived in or around the forest I would fully expect wolves to be around and that is the risk you take living in the country. If you don't want the risk of living near or around wild animals, don't live in THEIR natural habitat.

[Bleach]

Would you want a wolf den in your back yard or even in your neighbourhood?

How do you think the wolf feel, about humans in their back yard?

[mxtaylor]

what a gorgeous looking animal

people should have to hunt them with the same weapons the wolves have.

[mekathy]

I moved into an area that drew me because it was outside the city. I loved the deer and the fact that the forest was within walking distance. We have had coyotes, bears and even cougars in our neighbourhood. We educate ourselves how to minimize the risk of encounters with these animals. When we walk in the mountains we understand that we might run into wildlife and take the necessary precautions. I do not consider these animals pests as they are part of what drew me to where I live. I would rather have a wolf den within in my area, than the neighbours cats in my front yard.

[janalta]

I was disgusted when I read this as well...hunters and trappers can each take up to three wolves to help control a population which is only between 50-150 animals in the entire Okanagan ????
And here they are in Banff National Park trying desperately to save them.

As for trapping...barbaric and should have been abolished decades ago. With one pet already killed in trap lines this year and another badly wounded, it put a stop to me taking my dog up onto crown land this winter to go hiking.

[normaM]

Just another reason to dislike this place. Go after werewolves.

[janalta]

Would you want a wolf den in your back yard or even in your neighbourhood?

Wolves do not habitate close to humans...I highly doubt anyone has a wolf den in their neighborhood.
When was the last time you heard about wolves attacking or threatening anyone in this area ???

[juz516]

I do not consider these animals pests as they are part of what drew me to where I live. I would rather have a wolf den within in my area, than the neighbours cats in my front yard.

or neighbors, for that matter!