Politicians trap science

Idaho wolf trapping season is on for one-third of the year. As a native of Idaho and 10 years an officer of the Idaho Fish and Game Department, I have seen my share of traps and snares and animals insanely trying to get free.

Idahoans are 1.5 million people with pets that should have public land access without fear of man-made maiming devices. This archaic “management” of wolves should not be a part of us in 2011. We’ve learned from science how to drive cars around on Mars but refuse to put science into land management. We require of Fish and Game employees a diploma in scientific wildlife management before hiring them but refuse to allow them to speak of those scientific principles when it comes to caring for our wildlands.

Instead, politicians fire or demote people like biologist Russ Morgan or regional supervisors who dare speak of the science of wildlife management. As far as wolves getting “our” elk, if we can’t be smart, let’s at least be consistent; have a four-month elk trapping season for those rifle season hunters not as smart as a wolf.

Larry Keeney

Marysville, Wash.