Well, it doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing any hunting or trapping seasons for wolves any time in the near future.
I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago mentioning the possibility of a wolf season in the makings in the state of Michigan. Since then, the Michigan DNR adopted an updated wolf management plan, which didn’t include any hunting or trapping component, despite arguments that a wolf season might garner more public acceptance of wolves in the state.
Meanwhile, gray wolves had been removed from the Endangered Species List in the Rocky Mountains and the states of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming were preparing wolf management plans in anticipation of taking the reins from the federal government. Discussion about upcoming wolf seasons sparked renewed interest from hunters, suggesting the possibility that the wolf could be more than just a predatory nuisance to many who live in wolf territory.
The renewed hope for scientific wolf management was temporarily killed last week, though, when a federal judge ordered that the gray wolf be placed back on the Endangered Species List. How does a single judge have the power to reverse a decision made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and agreed upon by three states, based on sound scientific facts? The Black Bear Blog asks the same question.
Simply put, I’m not optimistic about hunting or trapping for wolves in the Lower 48 anytime soon.
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