Wolves and science

Recently Idaho expanded its wolf hunting and trapping without regard to a huge number of commentators (27,076 to be exact) where 84 to 85% of the commentators rejected the idea of expanded wolf hunting and trapping. Idaho caved to the very vocal minority of people belonging to hunting and ranching lobbies once again. With an accurate estimate of 3,121 people from Idaho voicing approval of expanded wolf hunting of the 27,000-plus commentators.

The decision was not grounded in the best available science, nor did it apply any ethical standards to their decision. This further illustrates to us how eager many are to capitulate to a minority that does not take into account biology or ecology but rather their own egocentric view of the world they inhabit.

When I was young I was taught the importance of good husbandry with our livestock and the value of education as well the understanding that the buck stops with our actions. We were taught in AG class to be responsible and not act like victims. When livestock dies it’s on us.

The departure from ethics and disregard of science shown by IFG are examples of what we should never allow. When is it OK to call ourselves victims when in fact we are the perpetrators? The truth is that without wolves on the landscape, diseases such as CWD will take a huge toll on our wild ungulate populations. Let’s get back to the facts Idaho. Pay your educators.

Hank Seipp

Spokane Valley