In addendum to my earlier post, “Contest Hunts Are a New Moral Low Point”: the truth is, contest hunts on wolves—like the one scheduled to take place in northeastern British Columbia, Canada—are the lowest of low points.
Not because coyotes (the species typically targeting by modern day contest hunts) are any more deserving of being killed en masse for the sake of some sick sporting event reminiscent of Buffalo Bill’s reckless era or something out of the bloody Roman Games. And granted, coyotes are no less sentient than wolves—or the family dog for that matter. All canines are highly evolved and capable of suffering intense stress and fear when pursued, and pain when hit by bullets or arrows. These physical and emotional capacities are even shared by such “lowly” creatures as fish, snakes or salamanders. But in addition, birds and mammals—notably canines—experience profound sadness (perhaps more than most human beings) when their mates or another of their kind are killed.
No, the reason a contest hunt on wolves is one step lower of a low point is because wolves, as a species, have been completely annihilated from so much of their former range. It’s like those calling for a wolf contest hunt are thumbing their noses at the extinction of wolves across so much of North America (not to mention Eurasia), while giving the thumbs up to those who massacred them. Many Canadians practically put on airs about not being as backwards and barbaric as we “Yanks” here in the States, but obviously some of their countrymen are every bit as philistine and morally vacant as any American redneck.
As with the coyote contests held in the U.S., the B.C. wolf contest hunt does not violate any wildlife regulations, according to an article in the Vancouver Sun—a point that does not address the morality of the action, but speaks volumes about the psychopathic behaviors that are still perfectly legal, even in presumably progressive Canada. There is no closed hunting season on wolves below 1,100 meters elevation in that region of the province, which is also considering a no “bag-limit” on wolves in the area.
The contest event claims to support “fair hunt” methods, which include, in addition to high-powered weapons, pickup trucks and snowmobiles to access wolves. It is set to run through March 31 and allows each hunter to submit three wolves. It costs $50 to enter, with winners receiving prizes (for the largest animal killed) of $150 to $1,000. Sponsors of the wolf-kill contest include Raven Oilfield Rentals; “Backcountry” (a fishing and hunting store) and T & C Taxidermy.
“It’s just kind of a social thing…” said Rich Petersen, a hunter and realtor in Fort St. John who is co-sponsoring the event. Well, you won’t find a more social species than wolves. Wolves may not spend their leisure time drinking excessively, listening to Celine Dion or watching hockey on the boob tube, but as far as showing concern for their extended family, I’ll lay down odds they’ve got the hunters beat.
Text and Wildlife Photography ©Jim Robertson, 2012. All Rights Reserved
Exposing the Big Game 
Yes, some of my countrymen are every bit as Philistine and morally vacant as any American redneck. And that this is happening in BC is no surprise to me, because the BC government also allows that disgusting grizzly bear trophy hunt.
I’m glad you didn’t take it personally Maureen–it was certainly not directed at good people like you. BC is one of those places I could live–because of the wildlife and wilderness. But like so many US states (Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, etc., etc.) the hunters and their game deptartments make life hard for anyone who is not of their ilk.
if anyone knows of the appropriate official to write to, I’ll be happy to write and send along. These kinds of contests have to be outlawed, they are so insanely barbaric. Thanks again Jim for your good writing
Thank you Louise. I’ll let you know if I find out who to contact about this. Maureen or Wendy, any ideas?
Contact Tim Preso. Earth Justice for NW US. He will be able to direct you in the right direction.
He’s a great guy!
For BC, I would contact http://www.adn.com/2012/11/20/2699347/bc-wolf-kill-contest-draws-criticism.html
Posted 1 day ago.
There’s a petition addressed to the BC government here. It’s in response to the proposed changes to the BC wolf management plan. Although, it has nothing to do with this contest:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-the-british-columbia-wolf-hunt.html
Thanks Maureen–I signed it and passed it on. It may not specifically address the contest, but any change in wolf policy would be for the better.
At this point, Jim, Officials are so busy with the usual Spin, I believe Media is the Key to unlocking this B*.
I would love your thoughts!
I also am appalled that this is allowed. If you do get and address please forward and I wil be more than happy to sign and pass along!
Gloria Kopplin
Thanks Gloria–we’ll keep you posted!
Take a look at the link provided by Danielle. The best part of the article:
“Conservation scientist Chris Darimont of the University of Victoria told the Sun the contest gives all hunters a bad reputation.
“This is not about putting food on the table or feeding families; this is about feeding the egos of small men with big guns,” he said. “There is this focus on size. I’ll leave that up to psychologists as to why, but it seems to dominate those interested in hunting for trophies.”
Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/11/20/2699347/bc-wolf-kill-contest-draws-criticism.html#storylink=cpy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Qy3uU9iV4 Video with Terry Lake’s (Minister of the Environment in BC) contact address. He must be stopped – his plans for my beautiful province and its’ amazing wildlife (in this case Grey wolves) are sickening!
I’ve signed the petition sponsored by the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre and shared it on FB.
Here’s the link to the petition for any readers of this blog who care to sign it:
http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/bc-government-wolf-management-plan-reconsider-the-wolf-management-plan-for-the-sake-of-a-keystone-species
Thanks Maureen–I’ll pass it on! Gloria, have you seen this?
This should not go on anywhere
Causing the suffering and death of living creatures is the “sport” of those mean spirited and coarse characters who have not evolved enough to understand and care about their fellow creatures. They are the planetary bullies whose eventual absence we will celebrate