Wolves ARE needed! In varying degrees depending on circumstances. Aesthetically as well as physically, where possible. I enjoy living in country where I hear their howls, see them on occaision, perhaps adding a nice winter pelt to the wall, or selling it..
Too much of a good thing (and that will vary by area/circumstance) calls for - as a Texas Ranger once said in other circumstances - "a good killing". Best done by hunting/trapping opportunity if possible - "helicopter gunships" if necessary.
Opinions of where the "too much of a good thing" will vary, but in general, wolves are so resilient and propogate so well, that very generous hunting and trapping seasons will probably not eliminate them altogether in country with good food sources. It's possible to wipe out whole packs that way, but not probable, and the area will soon be re-occupied by wolves dispersing from other packs anyway.
I'm all in favor of very generous hunting/trapping seasons in the West, especially surrounding off-limits areas like National Parks. Only through relentless helicopter culling or widespread use of poisions can wolves be entirely eliminated and generally not for long)in suitable habitat areas where they have established themselves.
Last edited by las; 11/08/11.
