In response to Max Casebeau's letter, I would like to point out some items of contention.
First off, Idaho Fish and Game did not "allow the wolves to be exterminated." Well over 25 years ago I had a great uncle who shot one of the last wolves in the Nebraska sand hills, north of Valentine. The wolves were dining on his calves.
The wolves have "ventured outside of designated areas," venturing into areas of cattle and sheep grazing not necessarily in high mountain meadows.
The ranchers don't "insist" on bringing their cattle into the mountain pastures. When they live in an area such as Custer County, which is about 95 per-cent federal land, they use the grazing allotments to try and make a living. They pay a graz-ing fee for that. They also pay income taxes just like you and I and the loggers and the miners.
That grazing fee helps pay for schools for their kids just like mine and yours, if you have any.
The "bad mouthing" of the wolves will not stop. But I spend a lot of time in the mountains and do not see or hear .30-06 "missiles" except during hunting season. Which in your comment, it seems to your thinking, should be stopped altogether. I would remind you that were it not for the miners, loggers and cattlemen, you would have no steel for your car engine, gold for your watch or teeth, no lumber for your home (or do you live in a cave?). You would have no beef or lamb to eat at home or in the restaurants. The hunting by sportsmen keeps the game herds pretty well in balance, which is administered by the Fish and Game.
I also doubt that the mountains of Idaho will ever look like the mountains of New Mexico. Granted they are dry compared to Oregon or Washington, but the mountains of Idaho are much "wetter" than the mountains of New Mexico. I would suggest you go take a look. I have.
Do you belong to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, or the Mule Deer Foundation or Pheasants Forever, or do you buy a hunting or fishing license?
Morgan Thomas
Hailey
