Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Hunters want wildlife, too


Significant conservation leaders like Teddy Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold were conservationist hunters, and that is how I describe myself. And just like them and for just as many reasons, I am driven to protect the habitats on which wildlife rely. My passion for and the joy I receive from hunting derives from the thrill of the challenge, the appreciation of the scenery and beauty of wild places, the great pleasure and camaraderie of shared triumphs and tribulations. Most of all, I feel only honor and admiration for the strength and wildness of the animals.

At first glance, it does appear to present an irreconcilable dichotomy: How can I be so passionate about protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat, and yet find such joy in hunting? Why go to these efforts to protect our deer and elk, grouse and chukar, and then set out to kill them?

At a recent county planning and zoning hearing on the proposed Cove Springs development, similar questions were raised about these seeming contradictions and were directed at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, which has come out strongly in opposition to the development because of its potential impacts on wildlife, specifically sage grouse. Individuals in favor of the development and who identified themselves as hunters asked: "If Fish and Game cares so much about sage grouse, why is there still a hunting season?" And in the same vein, a comment was voiced that Fish and Game allows Blaine County to have the "most liberal" sage grouse season in Idaho.

Our liberal season means we are one of the last remaining places in Idaho where sage grouse habitat and populations are significant enough to warrant such a season. It provides proof that Fish and Game has been successful in protecting habitat, but we need to redouble efforts to ensure the populations are not just maintained but increased. I fully support the efforts of Fish and Game and others to protect wildlife habitat that is endangered by the increasing growth in our valley. And resulting from these efforts, we will continue to be blessed with some of the best public land hunting in the county.

I am an optimist. This past year I bought a lifetime Idaho fishing and hunting license for my young son, just before his second birthday. I look forward to sharing my joys and passions for the field with him someday, and if I have anything to say about it there will be grouse in the sage.

Scott Boettger

Wood River Land Trust

Hailey




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