By Cathy Scholtens, Stevensville
The Ravalli County Commissioners’ draft policy for managing large predators lists four laudable priorities: protecting the health and safety of people; protecting the safety of pets and livestock; preserving the ability to hunt large game and recreate outdoors safely; and maintaining a viable and connected predator population.
No scientific data exists proving wolves are the major cause of decline elk herds. Mountain lions, bears, the fires of 2000, changes in vegetation/ cover, and increased irrigated lowland pasture could also be factors. Information garnered from FWP biological and environmental studies should be considered.
Recommending that trapping be permitted from November 15 through March 15, that snaring be allowed, that the general wolf hunting season stretch from August 30 to June 30 and that hunter orange not be required does not increase public safety, the safety of pets and livestock or preserve the ability to recreate safely outdoors, but in fact, could work to the contrary.
Pets have been maimed and killed in traps statewide set under the guise of wildlife management. Encouraging more traps/snares increases the unsafe areas for pets and livestock.
Armed wolf hunters hunting eleven months of the year (wearing no hunter safety orange) increases the chance of accidents and confrontations. Big game hunters have to follow strict safe hunting guidelines, but wolf hunters would follow no such guidelines. Few citizens would want to chance their dogs being mistaken for wolves.
There is a decline in large ungulate herds and the economic trickle effect is a big concern for all Montanans. The commissioners’ recommendations do not meet the priorities they have set; instead they will cause more problems.
The county commissioners should focus on developing economic opportunities and quit wasting time on an issue they are completely unqualified to address.