Airborne Wolf Hunting Reinstated in Alaska

by Amanda Katz

Frank H. Murkowski, the governor of Alaska, has signed into law a bill that permits individuals to spot wolves from airplanes, land and then shoot the animals in areas designated by the state Board of Game.

Use of the so-called "land and shoot" method of hunting wolves was permitted for many years, but became illegal after a statewide voter referendum on it was held in 1996.

In 2000, the Alaska Legislature passed a bill that called for the practice to be reinstated. Tony Knowles, who was the governor at the time, vetoed the measure, but the Legislature overrode his veto.

Later in the year, a second voter referendum made the "land and shoot" method once again illegal.

"Governor Murkowski has clearly caved in to pressure from the most extreme elements of the commercial hunting lobby by failing to veto a bill that he has consistently called objectionable and unacceptable," said Defenders of Wildlife Senior Alaska Representative Joel Bennett. "This action...could lead to tourist boycotts that (would be) sure to damage Alaska’s fragile economy."

"Alaska’s wildlife legacy is a national treasure, and (Governor Murkowski) should be safeguarding it (rather than) working to see it slaughtered," said Defenders of Wildlife President Rodger Schlickeisen.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.