GET YOUR FINGERS TYPING (PART 2 Minnesota and Michigan)

JULY 2022

WOLF COMMENTS NEEDED

As advocates for wolves, we often wonder if our voices are being heard. We wonder if the letters to the editor are even being read. Will the state consider scientific data when writing up their plans or will they cave to the small but vocal minority who want to kill wolves for whatever reason they may have?

Both Michigan and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources heard our pleas; the public heard us too. Howls to each and every one of you who have ever submitted comments, attended a meeting or wrote a letter to a newspaper. Public attitudes have improved across the board.

The Wolf Management Plans are available for comment for each of Michigan and Minnesota (Wisconsin’s Plan has been delayed).

Neither mandates a wolf hunting/trapping season. But neither do they preclude one.

They each cite scientific data and focus on education and the use of non-lethal methods to reduce conflicts. Neither plan establishes a maximum population.

Below you will find how to submit comments along with suggested talking points. You do not need to be a resident of Michigan or Minnesota to comment. So get your typing fingers ready and continue our work!

PHOTO CREDIT STEPHANIE PERRY

MINNESOTA

Comment period ends 4:30 CST August 8

BACKGROUND

Wolves in Minnesota are federally classified as endangered which means, lethal control can be used to kill wolves responsible for predation. Each year, approximately 200 wolves are killed due to livestock conflicts. Less than 2% of farms in wolf range experience wolf-livestock predation.

923 Minnesota wolves were killed during the 2012-2014 wolf hunting/trapping seasons. The plan states that if a hunting/trapping season was to occur, the possible objectives could include managing wolf-livestock conflicts, aiding ungulate population recovery, reducing wolf disease outbreaks, or providing regulated hunting and trapping opportunities.

LINK TO COMMENT (Note: You will need to register to comment)

LINK TO THE DRAFT PLAN

Talking Points

There is no scientific or ethical need for a wolf hunting/trapping season. There is little public support for a hunting season. There is an increasing trend towards mutualism (wildlife should have rights like humans), a trend likely related to several factors such as urbanization, demographic changes, changes in our relationship to wildlife, and overall less contact with wildlife (Manfredo et al. 2004, Patterson et al. 2003). Further, a recent poll by Remington Research found that 76% of Americans oppose trophy hunting.

A hunting season would be added mortality for a population that has remained relatively stable for years.

We need science based solutions to address the few conflicts when and where they occur.

The plan acknowledges the intrinsic and ecological benefits of wolves but we believe the threats are not adequately addressed, including climate change, illegal killings, habitat loss and need for travel corridors.

For additional talking points visit:

HOWLING FOR WOLVES

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

PHOTO CREDIT: VOYAGEURS WOLF PROJECT

MICHIGAN

COMMENTS DUE AUGUST 4TH

LINK TO THE MI DRAFT PLAN

LINK TO COMMENT

The recent survey conducted by Michigan DNR showed that the majority of respondents do not support killing wolves in the event of wolves killing a pet, hunting dog or livestock; only 35% support lethal control to address predation on livestock, even less for hunting dogs and pets.

Less than half support a wolf hunting season (down from the 2015 survey). 70.2% of the general public strongly or moderately agreed that wolves are an important part of ecosystems. 80.2% strongly, moderately, or somewhat agree that wolves have an inherent right to exist. 49.9% desire an increase in the wolf population (24% prefer fewer). Support for compensation for livestock producers declined, only 48.5% indicated it was somewhat, moderately, or highly acceptable to use tax dollars for compensation (2015 58%).

Talking Points

The same talking points mentioned above for Minnesota also apply to Michigan.

Scientific citations are provided for most strategies but is missing for the use of lethal control for wolves responsible for killing free ranging hunting dogs.

There is no scientific data to support a hunting season to reduce conflicts or the need for a recreational hunting/trapping season.

Additional comments can be found in each of the two guides below. The guides complement each other and cover different topics.

WOLFWATCHER GUIDE

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

THANK YOU!

Without YOU, our loyal supporters, the National Wolfwatcher Coalition would not exist. We are appreciative of your support throughout the past years and look forward to your continued support in the future!

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