Men, wolves compete

When the killing of wolves becomes a concerted effort from the members of “Save Our Elk” or any other advocates, the fight is always one-sided.

The article (“Elusive target,” Feb. 17) presents evidence that wolves have had a positive impact on the ecosystem. It also mentions that since the first wolf pack was documented in 1998 the elk count increased from 1,735 elk to 2,145 elk in February 2009. Wolves spread to survive.

It is easy to view nature as strictly linear: Wolves kill my elk, so I kill wolves.

The 65-year-old Milt Turley has killed and consumed 72 elk. More than one a year since he was born. Thumbs up for his appreciation of “meat” free of confinement and manipulation.

Men and wolves are predators competing for food. Human hunters can and should compete without resorting to unfair and unethical practices.

Hunting opportunities are options, not an inheritance to grandkids as Kay Turley implied, and the killing, gutting and butchering of an elk by a hunter is as bloody as a hunt and kill by wolves.

The opportunity to see and enjoy magnificent wildlife is patrimony that belongs to all of us.

Cecilia Nolthenius

Coeur d’Alene