It great to get that kind of money devoted to Wyoming's moose, especially the NW corner. Not sure that money will help those moose unless it's used to kill some wolves.The 5 Wyoming moose tags should bring in $125-145K this year. I think all states should have tags like these. Moose, just like game all around the world needs to have value in order to survive. Most of the money derived from these tags goes directly towards projects benefiting Wyoming's moose which we all know are in a world of hurt these days.
Turn that money into wolf bounty money... best possible use from the moose side of the fence.It great to get that kind of money devoted to Wyoming's moose, especially the NW corner. Not sure that money will help those moose unless it's used to kill some wolves.
Totally agreeTurn that money into wolf bounty money... best possible use from the moose side of the fence.
x2- and I'm sure the Elk and Deer would enjoy it as well!Turn that money into wolf bounty money... best possible use from the moose side of the fence.
Giving a bounty on wolves would be some serious ammo for the pro wolf crowd. If the G&F were to cleverly employ these funds they might do the following: Give wolf hunters in and around the wolf trophy zone a hotline or webpage to visit on latest wolf sitings or pack locations, especially in critical moose habitat. Of course funds could also be used to help biologists further understand how to help moose, such as range improvements and habitat preservation measures.They probably have to give half for wolf studies!
Here's a link to show where the Moose auction $ have been spent. 2012 and 2013 haven't been posted on their website yet. http://www.wyomingwildlifefoundation.org/_pdfs/2013/July 2013/WGBGLC PROJECTS.pdfI'd like to see just where the G&F will employ these tag funds. If it's for the benefit of the moose population, all well and good. Just so it isn't used to hire a new fish biologist or produce another TV show.
In regards to the pro wolf crowd- I'm really not concerned on "what" they do. My post had a touch of sarcasm, but my thoughts about them has more to do with eliminating them from our discussions.Giving a bounty on wolves would be some serious ammo for the pro wolf crowd. If the G&F were to cleverly employ these funds they might do the following: Give wolf hunters in and around the wolf trophy zone a hotline or webpage to visit on latest wolf sitings or pack locations, especially in critical moose habitat. Of course funds could also be used to help biologists further understand how to help moose, such as range improvements and habitat preservation measures.
Unfortunately policies toward wolves have to take the PR angle into consideration since there are many powerful organizations who wish no more bullets ever be fired at a wolf (or anything else for that matter). Giving them ammo is not a good idea, thus the reason for my comment. What they do should be of concern to all hunters. I believe they've proven their resolve to see wolves protected.In regards to the pro wolf crowd- I'm really not concerned on "what" they do. My post had a touch of sarcasm, but my thoughts about them has more to do with eliminating them from our discussions.
I do have a concern about what the money raised and used for. It could be a combination of funds used for the wolf population control(Since the feds started all of this) along with -Moose, Elk and Deer Herd Development and improvement. Most of the funds generated for the division of wildlife should be used for the conservation of game species.
Unfortunately when politics and "PR" is mixed with wildlife conservation- wildlife conservation loses-like everything else politics is involved in. Wolves were a problem in many of these areas when they existed long ago with ranchers who raised livestock for a living along with landowners, and re-introducing them should have raised a red flag to the feds before they did so. I believe wolves have their place in the ecosystem, but I also believe the feds had an "agenda" when they introduced them-Unfortunately policies toward wolves have to take the PR angle into consideration since there are many powerful organizations who wish no more bullets ever be fired at a wolf (or anything else for that matter). Giving them ammo is not a good idea, thus the reason for my comment. What they do should be of concern to all hunters. I believe they've proven their resolve to see wolves protected.
Unfortunately "PR and Politics" will never be taken out of it . . . Kind of like saying it'd be a dang nice day if it wasn't raining . . .Unfortunately when politics and "PR" is mixed with wildlife conservation- wildlife conservation loses-like everything else politics is involved in. Wolves were a problem in many of these areas when they existed long ago with ranchers who raised livestock for a living along with landowners, and re-introducing them should have raised a red flag to the feds before they did so. I believe wolves have their place in the ecosystem, but I also believe the feds had an "agenda" when they introduced them-
I'm steering this off topic now, so I'll refrain from anymore talk about politics and wolves so the OP can continue on with his intent of the thread![]()
I think it's fair to say that the funds these tags raise directly provide benefits for the species that far outweigh the loss of five animals otherwise available in the general pool of tags. The purpose of these auctions is to raise money that will benefit the species (i.e. more animals and healthier animals) through improved habitat on winter ranges, disease research, causes of mortality research, etc.I find it difficult to imagine anyone who applies for a tag to be in favor of selling that same tag to the highest bidder. Anytime you put a high price on hunting you exclude some people who have just as much right to hunt that animal as the rich guy. What about the guy who has been applying for that tag for years only to have it sold to the highest bidder?
Bob