Wolf-Hunting Measure Approved in Michigan, But There’s a Catch

The controversial hunting of wolves, which are included on the federal endangered species list, could resume in Michigan under legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Rick Snyder, but not until federal wildlife officials say the animals no longer need protection. Opponents set up a howl of dissent, saying the governor’s signature on the lame duck-session bill show contempt for voters who have turned down wolf hunting three times at the polls.

The Michigan Court of Appeals paved the way for the bill designating wolves as a game species with a decision last month struck down a wolf hunting on a technicality. The law signed by Snyder includes a provision that makes it immune to referendum votes like the ones that prohibited wolf hunting.

The nonprofit group Keep Michigan Wolves Protected launched a campaign on Twitter encouraging wolf hunting opponents to pressure the governor to reject the bill, but proponents say hunting is necessary to manage Michigan’s estimated 618 wolves, which are concentrated on the Upper Peninsula. They say the wolves are a menace to both humans and livestock.

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“We’re appalled at the open contempt for Michigan voters that Governor Snyder demonstrated by signing this third wolf hunting bill into law,” Jill Fritz, director of Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, told Michigan Public Radio.

The Human Society of the United States joined in the sharp criticism of Snyder and the Republican-controlled legislature that approved the bill he signed.

“What part of ‘no’ do Governor Snyder and so many Republican legislators not understand?” Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of HSUS, said in a news release. “Governor Snyder was legitimately re-elected two years ago, and on that same ballot, the same voters sent an emphatic message that they don’t want trophy hunting of wolves. How does Governor Snyder accept the verdict on his election but dismiss the same voters who decided wolf hunting wasn’t right? This is arrogant and wrong and anti-democratic.”

Snyder spokeswoman Anna Heaton told Michigan Radio that his signature on the legislation isn’t a sign that he supports wolf hunting, but rather concurs with scientific findings.

“There are legitimate instances of danger to humans and danger to livestock,” Heaton said. “This was something that he took into consideration that okay this is an actual problem and the natural resources commission needs to be able to regulate it.”

Sen. Tom Casperson, an Escanaba Republican, told The Detroit News that wolf-hunting proponents were outmatched by HSUS dollars backing the voter referendums.

“We didn’t have the money to counter, but we still have the problem up there,” Capserson said, referring to the UP wolf pack. “It’s severe. Something’s going to happen one way or another.”

Photo by Arne von Brill via Flickr Commons