Wolf Country, photo Brad Josephs
The presence of wolves in the country is dear to my heart. They mean wildness. Alaska is the last true frontier in the United States, and that is why I, and wolves, live here. Unfortunately, key decisions are being made regarding our wildlife resources through an unbalanced and unjust system which threaten these valuable animals.
Our state’s wildlife conservation decisions are made by the Board of Game (BOG), which is made up of seven Governor appointed members. My chief complaint is that the Board consists of strict proponents of consumptive uses, with almost no concern for the wildlife viewing sector. I feel that this will inevitably change with time as wildlife viewing continues to grow. I can understand how Alaska will likely value hunting over viewing and photography for some time, but I cant tolerate the sheer hatred of large predators that the BOG continues to illustrate.
In short, an issue has arisen on the Kenai Peninsula where natural habitat changes have resulted in a decrease in moose numbers. It is clear to biologists, such as Thomas McDonough of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, that higher moose numbers in the past resulted from historical wildfires in the 50’s and 60’s, which encouraged a boost in moose food (young aspens, willows and birches). Wolves arent the problem, it is the lack of recent fires which have caused moose numbers to fall. Some folks in the BOG don’t care about good science, they just hate wolves. They want to kill them with airplanes, to bring the moose numbers up. Is this still 1920? We have to put a stop to this. Read an article further explaining this issue by my friend Naomi Klouda of the Homer Tribune by CLICKING HERE.
You can write a letter to the BOG at this address:
Alaska Board of Game Board Support Section
P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
Or Fax: 907-465-6094
5 Comments
Shame on the BOG for their apparent closed-mindedness to the issue of the wolves and the declining moose populations! It is a never-ending battle between wildlife conservationists and those whose short-sightedness keeps them from objectively considering ALL the facts. And unfortunately, it is the earth/wildlife that end up paying the price.
I am even more alarmed to read that aerial hunting is the form of hunting being proposed! It’s bad enough to be hunting these magnificent animals under inaccurate pretenses; but to use aerial hunting just seems to make it even worse!
The Board of Game should not be a body solely appointed by the Governor. Until Alaska is progressive enough to elect a governor that is not solely in the pocket of the hunters and outfitters, sadly I do not see a change.
Yes, the problem is habitat degradation due to fire suppression, but since there will NOT be a large conflagration any time soon, should we just sit idly by and watch a vital Alaskan source of subsistence go bye the wayside?
Wolves may not be the sole factor in declining moose numbers, but managing them will ease stress on a very stressed moose population.
Everybody knows advancing seral stages are the reason for dipping moose numbers, but that problem won’t be fixed any time soon, so lets be proactive and help the Alaskans fill the freezer.
sorry, strongly disagree. Perscribed burning and habitat modification will improve habitat. Too many moose on poor habitat will simply worsen the problem. And there certainly CAN be a wildfire sometime soon, and the natural cycle would continue. If you want to fill your freezer, go to costco, try dipnetting, or go deer hunting on kodiak. Aerial wolf control is not a favorable act anymore to the general public, as it is shortsighted, cruel and robs the wilderness of character.
Live and let live! Leave the Wilderness alone, and leave the wolves alone!! Please!!