By Doug Jeanneret, Vice President of Marketing

On May 4, 2009, the Great Lakes wolf population was removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).  This action, proposed by the outgoing Bush Administration and then reaffirmed by the new Obama Administration, initially returned the management of wolf populations to the states (in this case Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). 

Not surprisingly, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and a group of other animal rightists filed yet another lawsuit on June 15 that sought to block the delisting.  While the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance was preparing to intervene in the case with its legal arm, the FWS reached a settlement with the antis that put wolves back on the Endangered Species List for now while avoiding a day in court for the administration.

This entire situation was the result of the Bush Administration not following proper procedures with the initial delisting.  Currently, USSA is working with the FWS on another delisting as science has shown the populations have significantly passed the benchmarks established for recovery by the FWS.

Unfortunately, while this ongoing saga continues, there have been multiple reports of hunting dogs being attacked by an expanding population of wolves in Wisconsin.  We expect more problems in other states also.

Its time to remedy this situation.  Professionals in the Great Lakes states including Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin should be able to manage their wolf populations to protect citizens and their pets while protecting the wolves as well.  The federal government should step aside and return the decision-making where it rightfully belongs by completing the delisting process regardless of threats from anti hunting extremists.

Let the states decide!

Tags: Antis Wolves GreatLakes

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