Archive for the ‘Words from Walt’ Category

Words from Walt, #7

Wolves predating on livestock grazing on public land continues to be an issue.  We all recall the tragic story of government authorities wiping out the Profanity Pack in Washington State where cattle were permitted to graze on public land near a known wolf den with pups. I have a proposed solution that may not be perfect but is better than the way things are now.  All leases between the federal government and livestock owners allowing grazing on public land where natural predators may be present should contain a provision whereby the livestock owner waives any claim for losses due to predation, and expressly stipulates that in return for this use of public land the livestock owner assumes all risks to the livestock as a result of the public land grazing.  If the livestock owners do not like this provision, then they do not need to request the opportunity to have their livestock use and graze on public land and can graze their animals on private land which is what they should do anyway. 

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Words from Walt #6

I have always been fascinated with the saga of the wolves and moose living on Isle Royale in Lake Superior, and have followed developments there with the corresponding population fluctuations. Twice, many years ago, I actually went there and camped for a week each time in the hope of some life milestone encounter. I went in the month of May both times, and there were no other humans on the island at that time except for a park ranger. No luck. While I saw lots of sign, picked up a huge moose antler, and hiked the whole island trail system, I did not see or hear a wolf. In fact, I do not remember seeing many if any moose either. Read the rest of this entry »

Words from Walt #5

Things may not be looking good for wolves in the State of Wisconsin. A proposed new state law would halt state funding of wolf conservation and management, and would make it illegal for state law enforcement officers to enforce laws designed to protect wolves, as long as wolves are a federally protected endangered or threatened species. Sadly, it is but another pitiful reminder of the blatant prejudice these animals face and can be laid directly at the feet of the hunting lobby. It is not surprising that the two state legislative committees involved in this proposed legislation have as part of their titles alleged “Sporting Heritage”. Read the rest of this entry »