Letters: DNR needs to save deer, by managing wolves

As an outdoorsman and a Minnesota hunter I read with interest the commentary on the deer population facing a threat in the form of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Although CWD is a major concern that needs more research, the greatest threat currently reducing the state’s deer herd is the overpopulation of wolves. This is occurring daily and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources refuses to discuss it, let alone put forth a plan that saves deer and not wolves.

Wolves have destroyed the deer herd in certain areas of northern Minnesota, and, according to recent wolf research data, the wolves are increasing their range and territory by moving south in search of a meal. Minnesota currently has the most timber wolves in the lower 48 states, probably close to 3,000 or more. Even Idaho, which claims to have about 1,000 wolves, allows hunting and trapping to manage the population.

Like me, most hunters I know and other hunters I have spoken to do not advocate the elimination of wolves. We do want a better balance in favor of the deer herd. It is my belief that we need to reduce the wolf herd to 500 or less in Minnesota. This can mainly be done by trapping and allowing deer hunters to take a wolf or two during the deer season when most are seen by the hunting population. Yes, I know the “Howling for Wolves” group will be “Crying for Wolves” but when have the wolves brought in $500 million annually like deer hunting? Never, and they never will.

Since the wolves have no natural predator, we can select to reduce the population or we can wait for nature to reduce it through disease. If we wait for nature, the deer herd will be minimalized or gone in most of Minnesota along with cattle and many pets in rural areas bordering urban areas.

So what can we do? All hunters should support U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber and Rep. Collin Peterson’s bill to delist the wolf and allow states to determine the sustainable number. Next, which will probably be the biggest battle, is to get the liberal legislators and DNR to act.

Rich Schimenek,

Cloquet

[Editor’s note] The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is updating the state’s wolf management plan and is looking to the public for input. See story on Page 22.