Times have changed; hunting ethic should change, too

Frontiersman editorial board

Alaska's wolves are under fire -- again -- with the operative word being "under." As in under the airplanes from which private hunters may now fire away, thanks to Gov. Frank Murkowski's June 18 signature of Senate Bill 155.

The measure calls for aerial shooting of wolves near McGrath so hunters will have an easier time bagging moose or caribou. It makes land-and-shoot hunting for wolves legal near McGrath, too.

Sponsored by Sen. Ralph Seekins, R-Fairbanks, the bill also makes it easier for the hunter-friendly Game Board to authorize the practices elsewhere.

Alaskans who thought this issue had been settled are right. It has been. Twice, in fact. Ballot initiatives passed in 1996 and 2000 specifically outlawed the practice of aerial wolf hunting. But the Republican-controlled Legislature has never put much stock in what most citizens want or believe, so it overruled the will of the people on each count.

Once again, it's time to pass the pen and petitions. Maybe a third ballot initiative in 2004 will give lawmakers the message.

Whether predator control is needed in certain areas isn't the issue. The point is that most Alaskans reject aerial and land-and-shoot hunting for any purpose. Most people don't believe any goal is justified by running wolves until they can't stand up and then shooting them from an airplane. Alaska deserves the tourism boycotts that will surely follow if it once again embraces the ethically reprehensible practice.

Another activity favored by some so-called hunters is just as disgusting. Bear-baiting, in which strong-smelling food is put out to attract black bears so shooters hiding nearby can "harvest" them, is as far from fair sport as can be imagined. Alaska is among a minority of states still allowing bear-baiting.

Again, it's up to voters rather than the Legislature or Game Board to make sure common sense prevails. A ballot initiative to ban bear-baiting is being organized for the November 2004 general election. George Pollard, a 35-year hunting guide; former Lt. Gov. Lowell Thomas Jr.; and master guide John Erickson are behind the move.

They say a poll commissioned last year shows strong support among Alaskans to end the practice. That's good news, but not exactly surprising.

People's attitudes about wildlife have evolved over the years, just as they have about social issues. It's time Alaska's laws reflected those changes.