Send gray wolves to lower peninsula

To the Editor:

Nancy Warren, in a recent Letter to the Editor, tried to discredit a trapper of 40 years as not being an “expert on predator-prey relationships.” I looked up “expert,” as she should have done and found this: “A person with special skill or knowledge in a certain field.”

I think a veteran trapper of 40 years can give us more hands on information with special skills than someone looking at a computer screen. Thousands of hunters spend thousands of hours in the woods as do trappers, loggers, foresters, etc. If their observations with all the technology available doesn’t qualify as research, you’re mistaken.

Wolves again went on the federal protected list due to a ruling of a sympathetic judge. Here we go again. SWAT teams measuring tire tracks when one gets hit on the highway.

When Mrs. Warren force feeds us her facts and statistics why doesn’t she mention the federal goal for wolf return was 100 for Michigan and Wisconsin combined? We were at 15 times that amount many years ago. Gee, I wonder what they all eat?

At my camp, I haven’t seen a fawn in five years. Rabbits — none. Grouse — none. All the while we personally watched the wolf population grow. That is my “research.” I have hundreds of pictures of wolves eating apples, corn, cereal and deer. They now come up on my porch. That is my “data.” Am I now an “expert” or just “experienced?” I would like to ask the DNR: What’s next? Should I let them in? Do I need a permit? Should I put up a high fence, play loud music, set off flares, or get a donkey?

The saddest part of this whole wolf mess is even under perfect conditions deer hunting wouldn’t improve for many years. Many older hunters will never again experience a successful hunting season. The younger kids will have no interest since there is nothing to be interested in.

Recently there was a $1,500 reward offered by the Lower Michigan wolf lovers to turn in U.P. wolf poachers. In appreciation, we need to initiate a drive to offer a reward to anyone who can successfully transport a breeding pair of wolves to Lower Michigan. Preferably, the Traverse City area. I will donate the first $100. They should definitely share in our good fortune.

For now, guys, quit buying licenses!

R. J. Gheller

Bessemer