[Wildalaska]

As you know, the Fiends of Animals led by Ms Feral tried to stop a predator control program in court and lost. Now there are gonna be howl ins with thousands of postcards sent to the Governor, golly what a great fund raising opportunity they have.

Gov Murkowski said today hes not backing down in the face of a tourism boycott threat. We need to thank him.

I put up a web page on this, all you need to do is click the email button and write a short note. Copies will also be sent to Anchorage news and to us (I will only use that for a final count) Please pass this around to other boards., feel free to email to your shooting buddies

The page with the email link is HERE (http://www.wildwestguns.com/AboutUs/Afghanistan/Stop_Friends_OfAnimals/body_stop_friends_ofanimals.html)

Your help is appreciated.

WilddownwithradicalsAlaska

[Leatherneck]

Wild,
Did you design that website as a test for these tired old eyes? Man, that was hard to read!

TC
TFL Survivor

[Wildalaska]

Hi just made it bigger for ya.......:D

[Harry Tuttle]

i'm battling the same ninnies down here in MD

at least yer old Governor did not appoint them to wildlife management positions

FFA also pays staffers to attend Council of Government meetings

Us other folke have jobs we have to go to...

[Langenator]

Are the animal rights folks just ignorant? Last I checked, a really big chunk of Alaska's tourism dollars come from people who go up there specifically to shoot the animals.

[Frohickey]

How much money do you get from people that want to shoot lead at animals, compared to how much money you get from people that want to take pictures of animals.

I think the animals would rather have their pictures taken... plus, the grizzly bears get a free snack (http://www.adn.com/front/story/4118880p-4134149c.html), now and again. :p

[Silver Bullet]

Gov Murkowski said today hes not backing down in the face of a tourism boycott threat
Why should he ? Chances are he doesn't want those kinds of people in his state anyway.

Don't send them to Arizona, either. What can we do to get them to boycott Arizona ?

[Wildalaska]

Keep them emails coming....I would love to get one support email for every p[ostcard those ninnies send...show em who's boss

[Cosmoline]

To my knowledge it's regional. The "green" tourist money comes primarily to the SE and parts of SC. The "hunter" tourist money tends to go to the SW bush and other parts of SC. Since I don't even view SE as part of this state, a decline in their tourism doesn't bug me much. And I have my doubts whether anyone would seriously follow through.

I think the state should launch a nationwide campaign to explain to people just how many wild bears, wolves, caribou, moose, etc. live here. While we're at it we should explain what ANWR really is--a bleak and hideous wasteland that oil drilling would damage through IMPROVEMENT. (Seriously, the major damage done on the slope by big oil has been by IMPROVING conditions, which attracts ravens, griz and other animals not native to the extreme north)

[Ryder]

Good move. I hope to ride my motorcycle to Alaska one of these days. The thought of large game being uncontrolled doesn't give me the warm fuzzies.

[Standing Wolf]

Are the animal rights folks just ignorant?

Not a chance. One of their goals is to disarm every last law-abiding American citizen.

[NewShooter78]

Just fired off an email to the gov. WildAlaska. And I've never heard of wolf populations numbers being so low as to be a threatened species any where in this country. I've always heard the opposite.

[Wildalaska]

Thanks newshooter..guys I am a bit dissapointed in the lack of effort here, there have been 219 views of this thread and I sures as heck havent got 219 emails...

Funny, everybody wants to whine about the loss of our rights, but golly, all ya got to do is click a button and send an email and ya cant even do that...:confused:

Like Standing Wolf said, this is just another little skirmish in their attemtp to ban hunting..hope some of you care about that...with the type of response I am seeing, no wonder we are losing...

WildgetoutandprotestAlaska

[BigG]

What caliber do you recommend for Fiends of Animals - WildyouarespoofinusrightAlaska? ;)

[DaveB]

everybody wants to whine about the loss of our rights

What 'rights' are you talking about?

The 'right' to kill one species because outfitters can't find 'enough' of a different species to kill - or to take money to allow other, less capable 'sportsmen', to kill FOR ENJOYMENT?

It seems to me that wolves have rights, too, but I'm probably hopelessly naive.

I suppose we could have a discussion about predator/prey balance in functioning ecosystems, but that might not fit so well with the "wild animals as commodity" model presented here.

db

[Wildalaska]

What caliber do you recommend for Fiends of Animals - WildyouarespoofinusrightAlaska?

Nope not spoofing, this is serious bizness...got to show these wacky environmentalist fund raisers that people arent gonna knuckle under

I suppose we could have a discussion about predator/prey balance in functioning ecosystems, but that might not fit so well with the "wild animals as commodity" model presented here.

Your kidding me, right?

WildwheredoyouliveAlaska

[MicroBalrog]

It seems to me that wolves have rights, too, but I'm probably hopelessly naive

Yes.:neener:

[DaveB]

Your kidding me, right?

Kidding? No.

At least present some scientific perspective on this. I realize that it plays real well here to assume the "steely-eyed mountain man against the New York animal rights pukes", but the reality is a little different.

I spent some time on the web looking for info of the past and proposed "predator control" plan you mention. There's mostly animal rights stuff out there, some of which is a tiny bit over the top, but there's also some real, useful facts, such as the following:

from http://www.adn.com/opinion/story/4298931p-4309033c.html

Bolds are mine...

...In 1974 I began research on moose and wolves in the Nelchina Basin as a wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Things then were similar to now; the moose population had declined, wolves and bears were abundant, and hunters wanted more moose and caribou. There were widespread cries for wolf control. Fortunately, the department and the board resisted the pressure and recommended studies to clarify the problem. Several research projects showed that bear predation on calves was the fundamental problem. An experimental wolf reduction did not produce more moose. Removing bears improved calf survival. Over time, moose increased without wolf control to relatively high density before severe winters in the late 1980s caused declines.

Research in recent years near Glennallen has shown that severe winters during the past decade and chronic habitat problems were major factors preventing moose population increases. There have been no large forest fires in this area for decades to improve moose habitat. Despite declines, the moose population has been high enough to heavily browse what food was available. And, over the past 20 years, hunters have greatly improved ATV access to several of the most remote areas. The resulting hunting pressure recently caused the board to further restrict hunting to preserve more bulls. All of this suggests that if severe winters, bear predation, poor habitat and hunting are the major problems, a heavy dose of wolf control is unlikely to produce more moose.

Things at McGrath were similar. Bad winters caused a decline of moose, and there were loud cries for wolf control despite very little biological information. Research showed that bear predation on calves was much more important than wolf predation, that habitat in much of the area was poor and that hunting had reduced bulls to low levels in accessible areas. Recent experimental bear removal resulted in much improved calf survival. A moose census in 2001 revealed about twice the number of moose as previously claimed. Again, wolf control will not help if bad winters, bear predation, poor habitat and hunting are primary problems.

I believe that it is fundamental to base wildlife management on sound science. The risk of failure by doing otherwise is much too high. We have the necessary personnel and scientific methods to do it right. Can we all agree that political considerations are secondary?

db

[Sean Smith]

As you know, the Fiends of Animals led by Ms Feral tried to stop a predator control program in court and lost.

Maybe all the hunters out there should mail her some venison as a consolation prize. Please pack it attractively in some dry ice to keep it nice & fresh. Or just send her some (appropriately-named) jerky. :evil:

[Cosmoline]

That's a political op/ed piece in the ADN, not a news story. Besides, are you seriously suggesting we wouldn't be facing protests if we were culling BEAR?

I'm also curious, do you have any idea how many wolves there are in this state?

[DaveB]

True, it's labeled as op/ed, but the guy is a wildlife biolgist. Unless he's lying, he's simply relating, in lay form, the results of state-sponsored studies that conclude that wolf predation is not a significant factor in the decline of moose populations in AK.

Habitat destruction, bear predation, and hunting are the main factors.

If true, why kill wolves?

db

[Jeff White]

Wildalaska,
Earthlink's mail servers don't like the quotes in your addresses, but it finally went through.

Jeff

[Wildalaska]

Jeff thanks, and I checked the validity of the email addys and reuploaded the page just in case..I think its earthlink

DaveB, sorry, the writer of that piece is giving his opinion, as he did to the Board of Game this time. Hes enttiled to do that. His opinion and evidence were not in accord with the other information presented. He lost. Now hes supporting the boycott.

In any event, your attitude is best summed up by your slurs against Alaskans

WilwegotlotsofwolvesAlaska

[Quartus]

Sound science is a good thing, Dave. Unfortunately, we can't always trust wildlife biologists to give us that. Too many of them are in PETA's camp, and have the strange idea that animals have rights. So some of them DO lie. I don't know if THIS one is lying, but I'd like to see more data.


OTOH, too many hunters, shepherds, and cattlemen are quick to blame wolves for predation without any evidence at all.


Hmmm. Same problem on both sides - a lack of commitment to an old concept known as TRUTH has people doing the wrong thing.



In any case, applauding a governor for standing up to these idiots is a good thing.

[DaveB]

Quartus, I think that we agree.

Have a good weekend.

db

[stevelyn]

Let 'em boycott. The PETA/FOA weenies couldn't spent money here anyway since they don't have real jobs. Your average tourist don't care one way or another how or how many wolves are shot up here. Most go on canned tours from ship to bus to train.

[Wildalaska]

Over 1800 views and just a handful of letters...I'm starting to understand why there are so many stupid laws.....

[JoshM]

Message sent

Since Africa started falling apart, Alaska is the only place I'd consider for the 'once in a life time' hunting/hiking/fishing trip.

[Ryder]

How many of those views are yours? See my point? If everyone who posted a comment in this thread came back to view it everytime it was bumped to the top the most letters you could expect would be 100.

E-mails from where I work are monitored and records kept. Personal use is verbotten. Achtung, especially personal use which does not agree with my employer's political views. Makes me sick that a corporation would even be entitled to political views as they are not individuals but they do. Their tyranny is as extensively detailed as any state.

You can imagine other people here have the same concerns along with many other concerns which we can't even dream of. Perhaps chief among those being that what happens in Alaska is no more our business than it is PETAs. Alaskan laws are for Alaskan's people to figure out.

[Wildalaska]

Perhaps chief among those being that what happens in Alaska is no more our business than it is PETAs. Alaskan laws are for Alaskan's people to figure out.

I agree, except to the point that it is "outsiders" trying to influence Alaska policy by claiming that there will be a toursim boycott by "outsiders"..

So the silence of outsiders on this issue means that you are allowing the animal wackos to speak for you.

[Ryder]

you are allowing the animal wackos to speak for you.

It is great that you are concerned about your place of residence and are taking steps to defend it against any and all comers. However, that particular group is a HUGE non-issue to rational people. They speak for us as much as the tasty animals they attempt to defend. :D

It is true that those who have a zero tolerance policy to negative publicity can be influenced by such groups (*cough* politicians *puke* corporations *hack*) but this motivating factor is greed and is bereft of moral benefit. Greed may not be illegal but it is not without punishment. Many people still value the ballot box over stooping to backdoor tactics. Which one would you bet on in a race?

If PETAs opinion carried any weight tinfoil hats would be in short supply. Now let's get rolling on that anti-alien abduction law ;)

[Quartus]

Over 1800 views and just a handful of letters...I'm starting to understand why there are so many stupid laws.....


Yup. That's EXACTLY why. Lots of talk, little action. Most 2A "supporters" can't even get off their butts and write a letter.



BTW, some of us waited until we got home to send the email, for reasons already mentioned.


Wild, the email addys are still screwed up. When I clicked the link, it put the Gov on one line, and the newsroom and you on the next 'To:' line, run together so the softare choked on it. I separated them manually, but not everyone is going to notice what is wrong - you might want to take a look at it. You need a SPACE after the semi-colon just before your email address.

Hmmm. Is that a headspace failure? ;)


[B]EDIT - just got back a failure notcie on the gov and the newsroom. The semi-colon is screwing things up. I resent after cleaning that up.

Maybe you need to use commas?

[Bigjake]

Anti idiotarian email sent, good luck!

Hey wild, anychance i could get a mailing address and send a postcard as well? you post it and i'll send one. Thanks for setting an example on being active man, and giving this issue more than just lip service.

[Hawkeye755]

Wild

Sent a short letter showing my support. The people of Alaska should decide what is the best decision for them. I live in Iowa, how would I know what is best for you. :confused:

Good luck.

[ravinraven]

Wild...

I sent the email. Thanx for calling attention to your problem up there. I hope it helps.

We have to band together to fight PETA [People Eating Tasty Animals hehheh], FOA [Fools Over Animules] and the rest of the animal, tree, shrub, moss, mold and bug rights idiots. One way to do this is to lump them all into one organization called the Anti People Establishment [APES]

If the APES win the people lose big time.

Good Luck,

ravinabouttheAPESraven

[WvaBill]

Just sent one...had to mention "agend-driven activists" vs professional wildlife managers.:banghead:

[grampster]

WildjustmotivatedmetosendanemailtothegovAlaska,

message enroute!

Regarding Wolf Rights. They do have rights.......as the MotorCity Madman, our own Michigan Ted Trueblood, Ted Nugent has said........Yep, animals have rights allright.....the right to taste good! (paraphrased)

grampster

[Wildalaska]

Thanks guys..

with respect to the email problem, Ive had a few reposrts about software choking...Im gonna modify the button again on monday..rechamber so to speak..

WildjavaAlaska

[ravinraven]

Howdy, Grampster,

Regarding wolf rights "to taste good"??? Are the wolves exercising this right?? I never ate one so I don't know.

rr

[HABU]

For the past several years, Moose populations in certain remote areas of Alaska have been precipitously dropping. This causes a severe hardship to our fellow Alaskans living in these areas, since they, unlike wealthy so called animal rights activists, just can't jump into an SUV and head over to a gourmet food shop and buy some pate.....

I wonder which group is responsible for more kills: resident poachers feeding their family or the wolves?

[Cosmoline]

Let them boycott. I'm going to boycott Kalifornia for killing all their bears and wolves off.

[grampster]

Ravin,

Grilled properly over mesquite, wolf tastes like a bit like chicken. heh

:neener:

[fallingblock]

Thanks for the link, Wild:D

You should hear what these folks say about kangaroos:eek: !

[ravinraven]

....why I don't like chicken.

How does kangaroo taste compared to chicken or wolf?

Don't you bounce up and down to beat hell when you eat it??

rr

[Wildalaska]

I wonder which group is responsible for more kills: resident poachers feeding their family or the wolves?

The last thing in the world anyone wants up here is to be caught poaching, doubt its the locals

WildyummymeatAlaska