North American Model of Conservation is often touted as the foundation for hunting wildlife.   Although there are seven principles of the North American Model, many recreational hunting organization defend their position to hunt wolves using only one or two.   

In this issue, NWC takes a look at the often overlooked principles of the North American Model of Conservation, and we believe that this model does not apply to the hunting wolves.

Principle 1 -Public Trust 

Wildlife belongs to all of us; not just those who want another trophy.  

Principle 3 - Democratic Rule of Law:

Democracy provides the reasons for hunting.  Fear and hatred are not valid reasons for hunting wolves.

Dr. John Vucetich said, " Science says we can hunt wolves without compromising population viability or ecosystem health. But, it is right? That is left up to the democratic principles. If we do not address these issues, democracy, hunting and humanity is at stake."

Principle 5 - Non-Frivolous Use   

Laws restrict against the casual killing of wildlife. There needs to be a reason for hunting. Hunting wildlife is a tradition in many areas.  Reasonable hunters (and non-hunters) believe wildlife should only be killed for a reason and view hunting as a privilege.

What counts as a good reason to hunt wolves?

Some argue to control population - Data and research suggest wolves self regulate and in many areas of the country, wolf populations are stabilizing and even slightly decline absent a hunt.

Some argue, a hunt is needed to protect humans.  When there is a threat it must be resolved immediately.  There are procedures in place to kill habituated wolves and wolves that pose a threat to humans.

Some argue, a hunt is needed to protect livestock.  When there is a problem, it must be resolved immediately.   Absent a hunt, there are both non-lethal and lethal tools available to address these issues.

Principle 7 - Use of Science

Wolf management decisions are often motivated by politics, not science.

Science tells us something is possible, science cannot tell us if something is right or wrong.  Decisions should be based on unbiased, peer-reviewed scientific data.

Killing for the thrill / fun or out of hatred is not science and is considered frivolous use by honorable hunters.

In many states, the decision making body is politically appointed and not required to use 'sound scientific management' principles in all cases, for example, in Michigan, the law states allows for the use of science to the 'greatest extent practicable.'

Those who hunt wolves, sometimes claim that hunting is necessary for conservation.  We believe this is an exaggeration.  There are many laws that have contributed to conservation and protection of species that have nothing to do with hunting among them:  Endangered Species Act, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Clean Water Act which regulates discharges of pollutants and, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989.

Others argue that through hunting, wolves will have more "value" or hunting will increase public acceptance.  The illegal killing of wolves is taking place in every state where there are wolves.  It doesn't matter whether the wolf is a hunted game species or a protected animal, they are being killed at an alarming rate by those who hate wolves.  Sadly, there are very few prosecutions. 

As advocates and educators, we must recognize that we will not change the mindset of those who hunt wolves for sport/recreation. We must continue the fight and advocate for a change in the laws.

We recently asked hunters to tell us why they oppose wolf hunting.  The response was overwhelming - we heard from hunters across the country.  So many responses were received that we cannot possibly list them all in one newsletter.  As space permits, we will share their comments of others in future issues. If you are a hunter and would like to share your story, contact us at info@wolfwatcher.org 

Here is just a small sample of the comments we received: 

"I'm a deer hunter, with both bow and rifle, and have been hunting for about 8 years.  My husband has hunted deer and game birds for over 40 years.  Several 

Bobbi Rongstad, Wisconsin

years ago, we spent a week hiking in early spring on the land where my husband and some friends have hunted for 30 years. We counted the remains of 15 deer that had died of apparent starvation. There was no evidence of carnivore attacks; the deer had succumbed to the long winter. That's when I decided to join my husband in hunting deer. Better that they fill our freezer than suffer and die for lack of food.

We enjoy eating lean, organic venison, and we typically harvest and consume 2 deer per year.  We don't kill things for sport.

Our hunting land has been home to a named wolf pack since the late 90s. We take note when we see their tracks, scat and on rare occasions, we see one. We've watched deer in close proximity when the wolves have howled within 40 acres. The deer pick up their heads and perhaps twitch an ear, but they don't run away.

Killing a wolf or any animal just for the sake of killing something is disturbing to me and many hunters. Wolves and deer can co-exist, as we've observed first hand."

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Photo submitted by Stefanie Levina of Pennsylvania who said,  "My family hunts deer provide food throughout the winter. They do not trophy hunts, nor do they support such things.  Hunting wolves is very wrong and immoral in so many ways. My family was brought up to respect life."

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Jeffery Loman hunts Deer, Caribou, Rabbit, various game birds in Michigan and Alaska "I have been hunting for more than 50 years. By the time I was born - the wolf was nearly gone from the UP. My grandfather was clear about the fact that the decision to exterminate the wolf was a monumental natural resource management mistake. The primary reason I oppose wolf hunting is that it defies efficient and effective natural resource management practice. This is especially the case at present when the carrying capacity of wolves has not been reached. Large predators like wolves play an extremely important role in maintaining the health of natural ecosystems."

In New York Bob has hunted deer, woodcock, grouse, ground hog; and in Michigan, deer, pheasant, woodcock and grouse. He writes, "I have been within two feet of wild wolves, on the ground and face to face... Once you experience the wolf you also would be against taking this individual.   Man is the only critter where wolf lives that walks upright on two legs; the wolf encounter provides a connection.  Such reverence both ways is impossible to experience in a predatory relationship."

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Don Clark, of Georgia said, from "one hunter to another..." "I am writing this as a hunter, one who is on the behalf of another Hunter, the Wolf.  I have been hunting since before I could walk good, at 2 years old. My grandfather would carry me...I hunt Whitetail deer, Wild Turkey, Rabbits and Wild Pigs, and elk.   I oppose Wolf hunting because I was taught and feel that as a hunter, I am also a conservationist. Conservation is the reason that we have the abundant wildlife we have today. The Wolf was brought back from near extinction as part of Conservation efforts. He Is, the Apex predator, which is a valuable part of the Eco-systems he inhabits...Hunters alone cannot fill in the gaps in the wildest areas we have left..."

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Kevin Gene Burbank of South Carolina wrote, "I have been hunting for about 20 years, and I hunt for one reason, meat. I hunt mainly deer, but have hunted turkey and squirrel on occasion. I do not view hunting as a sport, and never have or will. To take a life that has given by the Creator to a fellow creature is not a game, and should only be done out of need. The ecology of this land has been ruined by the interference of man and over hunting for sport and blood lust and out of fear of misunderstood animals, instead of living in harmony with them."  

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