I'm tired of Outside animal rights groups viewing the world through Disneyesque rose-colored glasses. I've spent the better part of the past 20 years hunting the Alaska Range. I've spent a big part of my life not only hunting, but living with, observing and studying the animals of Alaska.

The idea that wolves kill only the old and sick is the biggest misconception going. Wolves kill when the opportunity arises regardless of age or health with most animals; however, with moose, wolves often do look for the weak. However, there aren't as many old and sick as young. The state used to maintain wolf populations, but suspended the practice due to public outcry. Ten years ago almost every cow moose had two calves. Five years ago, most cows had one calf. Over the past two years, I've seen cows, but very few calves. It's the young that take the brunt of the wolves' assault, not the sick and old as the posy sniffers would have you believe.

Another misconception is that wolves kill only what they need. Wolves kill in every opportunity they have. When they are full, they move on. If they can't make another kill, they return; if they can, they don't. This is the cruel reality.


I not only advocate hunting with aircraft, I am permitted in units 19A and 16B.

Scott L. Simmons, Registered Guide / Palmer