Michigan Fires Back at HSUS over its Wolf Management

By Glen Wunderlich

Long before animals had lawyers representing a small segment of society that values the lives of animals above humans, man existed by hunting.  In fact, there are millions of traditional rural Americans that, in essence, hunt to subsidize their existence today.  As a sportsman, I am among them. 

Predictably, the leading anti-hunting organization in the world, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), based in Washington, DC and not connected to our local shelters, has ridden its gravy train into our small town with a plea to now save Michigan’s wolves from extinction by aid of petition – even though in the history of regulated hunting, no animal species has ever been in peril, as a result.   

Their leaders, Wayne Pacelle and Mike Markarian have a plan for Michigan, and it doesn’t involve our wildlife biologists and scientists; it does involve suing us, however. 

These extremists have a dream inconspicuously absent in a recent Argus-Press editorial:  Wolf delisting isn’t based on best available science, by Mke Markarian, of The Humane Society Legislative Fund.  So, sharing their vision for America is my pleasure.  Read more

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Proposes to Delist Gray Wolf Population Nationwide

Washington, DC –  June 7, 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) formally announced its proposal to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list throughout the lower 48 states (with the exception of the Mexican wolf population). The FWS’s monumental decision recognizes the gray wolf’s recovery resulting from state wildlife management and the participation of the hunting community.  This achievement in conservation demonstrates the impact of successful science based efforts across the country.  Read more

Wolf Control on the Horizon in Michigan

Wolf hunting may become reality in Michigan, after Governor Snyder signs legislation authorizing a hunt.  The usual suspects are already crying in their bean sprouts from the comfort of their armchairs, but when does the HSUS support any kind of hunting?  The answer:  NEVER.

So, it should come as no surprise that they despise the fact that our wolves have recovered according to defined goals and their numbers continue to grow.

Michigan Wolves by the Numbers

By   Glen Wunderlich

We’ve got wolves – plenty of them but that all depends on who is being asked.  The DNR’s goal is to ensure the wolf population remains viable and above a level (about 200 wolves) that would require either federal or state reclassification as a threatened or endangered species.

On the other hand, on October 15th, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Fund for Animals filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the December 2011 delisting. A 60-day notice of intent to sue is a required procedural step before filing a lawsuit against the Service under the Endangered Species Act.  HSUS’s press release stated that “[i]f the agency does not reconsider the delisting rule over the next 60 days, The HSUS and The Fund for Animals will ask a federal court to reinstate federal ESA protection for gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region.” Read more

Michigan Bill to Authorize Wolf Hunting

August 15, 2012, Introduced by Rep. Huuki and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation…

(b) The sound scientific management of gray wolf populations in this state is necessary, including the use of hunting as a management tool, to minimize human and gray wolf encounters and to prevent gray wolves from threatening or harming humans, livestock,and pets.

(2) The legislature hereby authorizes the establishment of the first open season for gray wolf. The commission may issue orders under section 40113a establishing annual gray wolf hunting seasons throughout the state.

House Bill 5834 is on the table and is here…

Wolf Delisting Decision a Big Win for Sportsmen

(Columbus, Ohio) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that gray wolf populations in the Western Great Lakes region have exceeded recovery goals and should no longer be protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Once official, this move will return wolves to state management in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and some portions of adjoining states.

In an even bigger victory for sportsmen, the Service also announced that it has reversed its previous view that two wolf species exist in the Western Great Lakes region.  Read more