Wolves: Controversial Conversation

[HeruMew]

So,

Here in Minnesota, we have gone back and forth in regards to wolf hunting for a long time.

Most recently, we had an image traversing facebook supporting legislation that would revoke snaring rights to hunters as they cause collateral damage to animals, unintended targets, and the "ever endangered" wolf species.

I feel it's a statistical anomaly, and if it was my choice, Wolves would be open game at a hell of a premium for a license to be a controlled game just like it should be. Poachers will poach, and still do today illegally, but I wouldn't mind having a pelt and experiencing that hunt one day in a completely legal manner.

What-say-you?

Am I an evil person for deeming wolves a potentially dangerous species to the Natural Resources, as we know it today? Or am I one of the meat heads blocking "Natural Progression" even if it means I might not get the opportunity to get a deer or elk in a decade or two?

I am moderately intrigued to see how our generally conservative board feels about this topic. Should Snaring be outlawed? Is there no valid use for Snaring? Or should it be left alone? Should wolves be added to the license registry?

[Renegade]

So,

Here in Minnesota, we have gone back and forth in regards to wolf hunting for a long time.

Most recently, we had an image traversing facebook supporting legislation that would revoke snaring rights to hunters as they cause collateral damage to animals, unintended targets, and the "ever endangered" wolf species.

I feel it's a statistical anomaly, and if it was my choice, Wolves would be open game at a hell of a premium for a license to be a controlled game just like it should be. Poachers will poach, but I wouldn't mind having a pelt and experiencing that hunt one day in a completely legal manner.

What-say-you?

Am I an evil person for deeming wolves a potentially dangerous species to the Natural Resources, as we know it? Or am I one of the meat heads blocking "Natural Progression" even if it means I might not get the opportunity to get a deer or elk in a decade or two?

I am moderately intrigued to see how our generally conservative board feels about this topic. Should Snaring be outlawed? Is there no valid use for Snaring? Or should it be left alone and animals added to the license registry?

I would ban snares and leg traps.

[WickedWillis]

I would ban snares and leg traps.

I generally feel like all trapping and snaring of predators is straight ***** hunting myself. If you can't hunt and kill them with all your thermal, and baiting, and being able to clap them from 600 yards then maybe you don't need to be hunting? "But predator hunting is hard!" I literally don't care. Man up.

[BuzzinSATX]

I generally feel like all trapping and snaring of predators is straight ***** hunting myself. If you can't hunt and kill them with all your thermal, and baiting, and being able to clap them from 600 yards then maybe you don't need to be hunting? "But predator hunting is hard!" I literally don't care. Man up.

Trapping serves a purpose just like many other wildlife control methods like hunting seasons and bag limits. Trapping is an American institution that is, unfortunately, fading fast in many places inner Nation. When I was stationed in Alaska and Montana, I trapped for several years, both water trapping for coon, mink, muskrat, and beaver, as well as dry land trapping for fox, bobcats, coyote, etc. There is nothing easy about trapping if you are doing it right, but it is a challenge, and can be profitable if you are successful. I used snares, leg hold, and body gripping traps. All were legal where I was.

I ran across situations where I was setting traps in locations folks prefer I stay away from, usually due to pets or just preferences. I always moved traps when asked even though I had a right to be where I was...it was simple common courtesy. On the other hand, I ran across several other folks who asked me to come trap other land to help them reduce the numbers of coon, badger, and coyotes around their property, so it works both ways.

I never messed with wolves and lions but as we see with lions in CA, when left unchecked, they can become a dangerous critter to have around. Hunting and trapping is a good tool to help try and keep them in check, but it doesn't always help....ask any moose in AK how wolves can get out of hand fast.

[kerplode]

Wolves and other large predators are necessary for a healthy balance, IMO. Getting rid of wolves, bears, whatevers because some rancher lost a cow is probably why the mid-western states are over-run with unsustainably large deer populations. Enjoy that CWD.

Of course you also need to maintain balance of predator populations, so managing with hunting should be allowed. Rifle only though.

I hate trapping, so yes, snaring should be outlawed. All creatures deserve a clean and quick death. Snaring is neither. How would you like to be caught by your leg and left to either mutilate yourself in an attempt to escape or die of dehydration and exposure? Didn't think so...

[HeruMew]

I've never snared before, I haven't been fond of leg trapping due to ineffectiveness.

The impression I have been given about snares, and small game, is that death is usually pretty quick for wire snares due to the force used in setting them off. But, alas, I have no formal experience.

I am much less inclined to care about snares, and more about the persistence that killing off Coyotes is open season, no license required, but Wolves are treated in a different regard.

I don't agree that all wolves need to be removed, but rifle hunting in a controlled manner would be my elective.

Thanks for all the input thus far.

[Renegade]

I am much less inclined to care about snares, and more about the persistence that killing off Coyotes is open season, no license required, but Wolves are treated in a different regard.

I don't agree that all wolves need to be removed, but rifle hunting in a controlled manner would be my elective.

I am under the impression wolves are endangered? Hence the difference in rules for coyotes vs wolves?

[HeruMew]

I am under the impression wolves are endangered? Hence the difference in rules for coyotes vs wolves?

Taking a look at the statistics, it's not hard to deny. And, in my opinion, this topic is one of the most controversial.

We have a lot of people saying that they are already getting out of hand; while others insist it's too early to do a population count and review.

Looks like in 2014 they recorded about 2300 Wolves in Minnesota. I have heard the numbers, due to unpredictable breeding, has grown significantly since then.

However, when Minnesota harvests about 4000 Coyotes a year, it's understandable that they will have significant population differences.

I am more in the mindset of: We have a bear lottery up here that supports and builds habitats, why not perform a lottery that will do the same with the other predatory species.

However, without truly accurate and, most importantly: current, count for the Wolf population in Minnesota, I will have to admit that I have no formal numbers to justify them not being deemed still endangered. Touche.

No matter what, all-in-all, I do not believe Wolves should be eradicated. I do believe they have a natural place in our ecosystem as they were a part of it long before we were. I just don't want to give the wrong impression. I agree, it would be foolish to believe that removing something from it's system completely could do more good than harm. I also didn't have much of a position of snaring as I had only heard anecdotal remarks and systems in survival books, shows, etc. It's an art lost on most nowadays; I have always believed in good sportsmanship and making sure to be as ethical and humane as possible.

[Renegade]

I am more in the mindset of: We have a bear lottery up here that supports and builds habitats, why not perform a lottery that will do the same with the other predatory species.

I imagine they will when the numbers get big enough.

Kinda like in NJ when they have the bear hunts.

[gunnerblue]

I am under the impression wolves are endangered? Hence the difference in rules for coyotes vs wolves?

Not nationwide, no. Certain regional populations may protected such as the Mexican wolf in the Southwest.