Comment period ends 4:30 CST August 8
BACKGROUND
Wolves in Minnesota are federally classified as endangered which means, lethal control can be used to kill wolves responsible for predation. Each year, approximately 200 wolves are killed due to livestock conflicts. Less than 2% of farms in wolf range experience wolf-livestock predation.
923 Minnesota wolves were killed during the 2012-2014 wolf hunting/trapping seasons. The plan states that if a hunting/trapping season was to occur, the possible objectives could include managing wolf-livestock conflicts, aiding ungulate population recovery, reducing wolf disease outbreaks, or providing regulated hunting and trapping opportunities.
Talking Points
There is no scientific or ethical need for a wolf hunting/trapping season. There is little public support for a hunting season. There is an increasing trend towards mutualism (wildlife should have rights like humans), a trend likely related to several factors such as urbanization, demographic changes, changes in our relationship to wildlife, and overall less contact with wildlife (Manfredo et al. 2004, Patterson et al. 2003). Further, a recent poll by Remington Research found that 76% of Americans oppose trophy hunting.
A hunting season would be added mortality for a population that has remained relatively stable for years.
We need science based solutions to address the few conflicts when and where they occur.
The plan acknowledges the intrinsic and ecological benefits of wolves but we believe the threats are not adequately addressed, including climate change, illegal killings, habitat loss and need for travel corridors.
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PHOTO CREDIT: VOYAGEURS WOLF PROJECT
