Unlimited wolf kill proposed for Thompson region
These animals are being persecuted again, wildlife association declares
Sylvie Paillard, Kamloops Daily News/ Times Colonist
Open season could be declared on wolves in the Thompson region starting next year in order to control attacks on livestock and caribou.
A B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations document proposes that hunting rules be changed to allow unlimited wolf killing year round.
The proposal is in its infancy but is already triggering the polarization seen in other parts of the province where the same measures have been adopted.
“Wolves have been persecuted in this province for decades. Re-declaring the war on wolves is in no way a solution to the perceived issue,” said Mel Rothenburger, who in his capacity as former president of the International Wildlife Preservation Association has long denounced such sweeping solutions
Hunters in the Thompson region are currently allowed three wolf-kills from September to June.
“This proposal intends to provide more hunting opportunity for wolves in the Thompson region while assisting the (Conservation Officer Service) and landowners in addressing wolf conflicts on private property,” states the ministry staff rationale for an open season.
The document states that the conservation service “currently invests significant resources (at times, all COs in the region) in addressing wolf/livestock issues.”
To read the full version of this article please visit the Times Colonist website
http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/unlimited-wolf-kill-proposed-for-thompson-region
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