It has occurred that Idaho is missing a great opportunity to live up to it's moniker, "Wild Idaho," by failing to tap into the growing trend in wildlife viewing. And, as part of wildlife viewing, wolves should be included.
Yellowstone, and its associated communities tap into a $35 million wolf-viewing business annually. Can't think of any community with abundant wildlife that would turn down a fraction of that kind of monetary influx and the associated jobs for outdoor equipment retailers and manufacturers, outfitters and guides plus various support businesses.
We recognize that wolves are a very fractious subject these days, with wolf hunting looming on the horizon, but it seems in this time of economic challenge to be shortsighted not to explore all possible opportunities for economic diversity and growth. Throughout our country, hunting is trending downward and wildlife viewing is trending upward. Let's consider capitalizing on this movement.
Ann Hill
Stanley