What has happened to the heart and soul of the Alaska that I love? I lived in Alaska for 18 years, serving United Methodist churches in Anchorage, Soldotna and Unalaska, and am now retired close to family in Washington state, yet I visit my “beloved adopted” Alaska each year.
Recently, I was greatly saddened to learn that by a narrow majority, the U.S. House of Representatives, passed H.J. Resolution 69, authored by Alaska’s Rep. Don Young. It is the most cruel, heartless wildlife bill I have ever seen in my lifetime.
This ruling, if now passed by the U.S. Senate, will overturn a federal rule, years in the making, crafted by professional wildlife managers, aimed at stopping some of the most appalling practices ever imagined in in the contemporary era of wildlife management.
In this one vote, this week, they have allowed “Open Season” on the killing of wolf pups in their den, the killing of hibernating mother bears and their cubs, the spotting of grizzly bears from aircraft and then shooting them after landing, and the trapping of grizzly and black bears with steel-jawed leg hold traps and snares.
And this is on all 16 of Alaska’s National Wildlife Refuges. This Resolution was endorsed by the NRA, Safari Club International, and some hunting guides and outfitters. I was also saddened to learn that Congressman Young stated on the House floor during his testimony in support of his resolution that he personally killed wolves in their dens for federal pay some years ago.
In my opinion and in the opinion of hunters and other sports-minded individuals I have talked to, to call these kinds of cruelty practices “wildlife management” is akin to what cock fighting and dog fighting would be to the management of domesticated animals.
I appeal to the kind-hearted citizens of Alaska to help to stop such outrageous practices within their beautiful State. Recapture your “heart and soul” that I know is there, and share the beauty of your treasured wildlife with those who bring millions of dollars each year to view such amazing animals! Alaska has some of America’s most extraordinary and wondrous wild-lands, animals and ecosystems. Please don’t let it be destroyed and gone forever!
Rev. Dale R. Kelley
Port Ludlow, Washington