Should There Be a Wolf Season in Minnesota?

Garrett Mann

2/13/2012

                With grey wolves recently being removed from the Endangered Species List there is already a lot of talk and deliberating over a possible hunting/trapping season in Minnesota, possibly as soon as the fall of 2012. As expected, this has sparked a lot of controversy, not just in Minnesota, but nationwide. As an outdoorsmen, and Minnesota native I have taken a close interest in this topic.

I acknowledge that as a deer hunter my opinion is somewhat bias, however I feel that through the many wildlife and ecology classes that I have taken, and by reading articles specifically on this topic that I have also developed a valid opinion. There’s no doubt that the grey wolf is a majestic animal and that it is a vital component of it ecosystem, and deserves to be protected as much as the next animal. However, I have also seen the other side of the issue. Depredation on cattle affected farmers and their way of life. Currently that is an issue that is managed by the government which takes funding to operate. Also, whether we like to believe it or not, the high population of wolves is leading to smaller territories causing a higher predation rate on the deer population. A season would be an indirect way of handling this and not only would it not dip into already drained funding, it would be a new source of income for the state government.

The current plans for the new season are all based on a quota. Under this system, hunters would purchase their tags before the season, and once 400 wolves have been harvested and tagged the season is immediately closed. This would mean that there is a controlled level of harvest not allowing an over use of the resource. And it’s not all doom and gloom for the wolves. They are a highly intelligent animal, and wouldn’t be easy to take. Actually hunting the wolves in a traditional style isn’t going to be the most effective method. Trapping is more effective but is also not a common or easy skill for people to learn. This will give the wolf a better chance. Also, during its time on the Endangered Species List, the grey wolf population in Minnesota stayed at a healthy level. The only state is the lower 48 to stay this way. This is attributed to the fact that these wolves are a part of the thriving Canadian population. Now, I also realize that it may be hard to control the exact amount of wolves harvested during the season. But let’s not kid ourselves, we and the government know that illegal harvesting is already taking place, and will more than likely continue to. Nothing is perfect. I’m certain this factor has already been taken into account. I do believe however, that the open management of wolves will lead to more people being satisfied with management of wolves and the urge to take one illegally will be reduced.

I believe these conditions will ensure that the grey wolf will continue to thrive in Minnesota, like it always has. And the management plans will no doubt change if anything drastic occurs within the population. I personally like the plan that is set in place, as do many wildlife ecologists and biologists. This is a very well planned out strategy. I almost certainly will take part in the new hunt if it is implemented. It’s not that I want to see the wolf wiped off the face of the earth, not even close. I just believe that a management action needs to take place and this is a very viable option.

Works Cited: Outdoor News