Aerial killing of wolves in Alaska/Alaskan comment - Page 1

Veronica in Alaska here.  So far as it is represented by Alaska politicians, aerial wolf kills are to keep the population of the wolves down so that there are enough prey to sustain them.   Many here in Anchorage cynically think that the more likely reason is so that human hunters (Native and non-Native) can still hunt plentiful moose and caribou, therefore increasing state revenue.   Believe it or not, the issue of killing the wolves through helicopters is an ongoing battle within the state amongst it's constituents with a very vocal "minority" that is quite large, and it is not a simple issue with a clearly defined "why" that is acceptable to everyone even within the state, much less acceptable to those from outside our state that want to control the issue.  

Just as a note of interest----   The PC term is Alaska Natives, not Eskimos...many are NOT Eskimos, and there are many ethinic groups who all speak different languages.  There are thirteen for-profit Native Corporations (some are worth millions, and are part of the Fortune 500....and some are nearly worthless) and thirteen non-profit corporations, and 44 million acres belonging to the Alaska natives.  In 1971, all of this was settled, with also one billion dollar granted as "seed money" for corporate endeavors, all granted as restitution by the United States Congress.  In that respect, they have been the most successful of all Native groups overrun by the USA goverment to claim restitution and reimbursement from the US Government. 

I meant to add that to the ongoing thread, I don't know why it became it's own thread.....

Hi Veronica, have your read any of Farley Mowat's books, specifically "Never cry Wolf" which was made into a movie too? For those who don't recognize the name, Mowat is a very well known and respected conservationist from Canda. He followed a  pack of wolves for a few  years and learned that they were wrongfully blamed for the vanishing caribou herds. It was in fact man who was killing them at recond speed, not the wolves as he himself suspected. It's a good read and the movie is very enjoyable although probably close to 25 years old by now. I imagine the book can be purchased through the net, Amazon, and the movie may be available on CD.  Last I heard Mowat continues his studies of wildlife and conservation. I believe he is in his 80's now.

Humans have a bad record for moving in and taking over land not belonging to them just because they can. We did it to the native Americans and many animals including wolves and bison. I can understand the dilema faced by sheep farmers et al in areas where wolves are making a return, but I have a problem rationalizing that we are entitled to take the wolves lives by shooting them from a plane in order for to have enough caribou for man to enjoy killing for trophies. There are very few Inuit today depending on caribou to survive.  Sheepmen always have the  option to buy dogs that are bred to guard their flocks against wolves.

"   The PC term is Alaska Natives, not Eskimos"   Last I checked Alaska was part of the United States.  Wouldn't that make them Native Americans?

I agree Blitzen. I'd wager more caribou are hit by cars than eaten by wolves.

 Sorry 4pack there are not enough roads here to harm the caribou.... Usually the animals will starve to death and that isn't pleasant at all to view on the 6 o'clock news during dinner. 

I did see the movie many years ago. I remember crying a lot.

Great post Veronica- see you at training eventually!

Julie

Alaska only became a state to our great United =states in 1959  so they havae a heritage they like to be known as

Alaska natives....and yes they are still Americans but not native to here...

THERE ARE GAME SEASONS!    There werent before alaska was a state.

IN Alaska, Eskimos & Indians shot & trapped them AT Will, Year Round.  Wolves are the Ultimate predators & Top of the food chain, with No real other natural predaotrs save sickness, injury or killed by other wolves. They need managed. Wolves due their most damage in Spring with fawning caribou. Eat their young. There must be a balance of nature. An imbalance is Not a good thing and wrecks havoc.

Ask a Yellowstone Park Ranger what Introduced wolves have done to Native Elk there, even to Buffalo there.. elk are now all but gone, disappearing fast.   And Wolves also making their way onto ranchers property killing more sheep than they could eat in a year at one hunt..

Nature isnt pretty. Sorry to break it to you..

Uglydog -- your sarcasm is not really helpful.

>>"   The PC term is Alaska Natives, not Eskimos"   Last I checked Alaska was part of the United States.  Wouldn't that make them Native Americans?<<<

This is how the natives of the Alaskan regions preferred to be referred to, it's their call.   ~  Veronica