April 27, 2010

The Hunters Rights Coaltion (HRC) today acknowledged the good work of the Wisconsin DNR in petitioning the US Fish and Wildlife Service for delisting of Wisconsin's wolf pack from the endangered species list.  HRC member organizations have been integrally involved in the wolf issue.  The Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association (WBHA), Safari Club International, US Sportsmen's Alliance, the National Rifle Association, as well as several individual members have intervened in previous delisting actions.

"Wolves have recovered in Wisconsin," said WBHA President Kendal Durham, "Everyone in Wisconsin knows it.  It's hard to understand why the Federal government has failed to act."

"At the heart of this case is the right of the State of Wisconsin to manage our own natural resources," said President of the State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Dean Hamilton.  "Our DNR has the experts, the expertise, and the science to properly manage wolves in this state."

"It is good to see our state agency take a proactive role in the delisting of Wisconsin's wolf population," stated Greg Kazmierski, chairman of the SCI Dairyland Committee, "For some time now the expense and efforts to delist wolves in Wisconsin have been solely on the backs of our groups... we welcome the state's involvement."

The HRC will continue to be actively engaged in the wolf issue and is preparing its own legal options for whatever path the delisting battle takes next.

"This will end up being the hunting and farming community, together with sound science on one side.  With radical animal rights activists such as the Humane Society on the other side," said Durham.  "The Humane Society has an almost unlimited amount of money, but we will make sure that our side is heard."

For more information please contact:  Bob Welch 608 819-0150