The National Rifle Association and Safari Club International (SCI) have filed for intervenor status in a new challenge to the wolf delisting contained in the continuing resolution FY 2011 by the Alliance for the Rocky Mountains. Anti-hunting groups filed two new court cases on May 5th challenging the constitutionality of the recently passed law that directed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the wolves of Montana, Idaho and portions of Oregon, Utah and Washington State.
“Anti-hunting and animal rights extremists seek to incrementally destroy America’s hunting heritage,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “The NRA and SCI’s filing for intervenor status seeks to ensure that American hunters and their interests are represented in this case, as we continue to fight for the complete delisting of gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act.”
Moose, elk and mule deer populations have been decimated in some areas where wolves are prevalent. Wildlife experts and biologists contend that regulated hunting of wolves is best method to preserve the balance of nature and ensure the future of a healthy game population for continued hunting opportunities. However, after successful wolf hunting seasons were conducted in Idaho and Montana last year, anti-hunting extremists obstructed future seasons by challenging them in court.
“It is time for sound science and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation to govern the reintroduction of the wolf population. The NRA will continue to fight for the delisting and state-based management of gray wolves, whether in Congress or the courts,” concluded Cox.
