Recently in the news a lone wolf became famous when he crossed the border of Oregon into California. He is known as OR-7 which is the Id on his collar. It was the first time a wolf has been seen in California for over 100 years. OR-7 is from the Imnaha Pack in Oregon. But on Jan. 2nd, 2012, another member of his pack also made the news.
OR-9 was the brother of OR-7. But the news for him was tragic rather than inspiring. OR-9 had crossed over into Idaho from Oregon by swimming across the Brownlee Reservoir. Most likely he was looking for a mate of his own since wolf breeding season starts in February. Little did he know what was waiting for him though on the other side of the river.
A hunter whose wolf hunting license had expired in 2011, was out shooting coyotes when he came upon OR-9. He immediately shot and killed the lone wolf. To add further insult to injury, this poacher then posed in a gruesome photo by holding the dead wolf up by his neck. Because this killing was an illegal action, it was then reviewed by the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game. The poacher explained that he had been wrongly informed by a store clerk from whom he purchased his license that it was good for killing wolves through the end of the 2012 wolf hunting season. His hunting tag however very clearly stated that it was not continued into 2012.
The Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game then made the decision to only give him a warning instead of prosecuting him for illegal poaching.
Ignorance typically is not a legitimate defense. Similar claims for elk and other big game poachers have led to prosecution in the past. The same kind of action should also be taken against the killer of wolf OR-9. Poaching is poaching no matter who is the unfortunate victim.
Below is a petition asking that this man be held accountable and officially prosecuted for the illegal killing of the Oregon wolf. Please take a minute to sign and share this petition. Thank you.
We the undersigned of this petition call for an investigation to be done and prosecution initiated concerning the killing of an Oregon wolf identified as OR-9 on Jan. 2nd of 2012 near Emmett, Idaho. The wolf was shot illegally by a man whose wolf hunting license had expired as of the end of 2011. The hunter stated the store clerk that sold him the tag told him it was good for the entire season. The terms of the hunting tag, say otherwise.
OR-9 was the brother of OR-7. But the news for him was tragic rather than inspiring. OR-9 had crossed over into Idaho from Oregon by swimming across the Brownlee Reservoir. Most likely he was looking for a mate of his own since wolf breeding season starts in February. Little did he know what was waiting for him though on the other side of the river.
A hunter whose wolf hunting license had expired in 2011, was out shooting coyotes when he came upon OR-9. He immediately shot and killed the lone wolf. To add further insult to injury, this poacher then posed in a gruesome photo by holding the dead wolf up by his neck. Because this killing was an illegal action, it was then reviewed by the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game. The poacher explained that he had been wrongly informed by a store clerk from whom he purchased his license that it was good for killing wolves through the end of the 2012 wolf hunting season. His hunting tag however very clearly stated that it was not continued into 2012.
The Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game then made the decision to only give him a warning instead of prosecuting him for illegal poaching.
Ignorance typically is not a legitimate defense. Similar claims for elk and other big game poachers have led to prosecution in the past. The same kind of action should also be taken against the killer of wolf OR-9. Poaching is poaching no matter who is the unfortunate victim.
Below is a petition asking that this man be held accountable and officially prosecuted for the illegal killing of the Oregon wolf. Please take a minute to sign and share this petition. Thank you.
We the undersigned of this petition call for an investigation to be done and prosecution initiated concerning the killing of an Oregon wolf identified as OR-9 on Jan. 2nd of 2012 near Emmett, Idaho. The wolf was shot illegally by a man whose wolf hunting license had expired as of the end of 2011. The hunter stated the store clerk that sold him the tag told him it was good for the entire season. The terms of the hunting tag, say otherwise.
Just like infants...animals have no voice..only from the humans that try to love them...This is an outrage..Poachers of any animal should be punished by the maximum allowed by law...
They should treat 'Poachers' like they used to treat 'Rustlers'.
I really don't understand why anyone wants to shoot animals at all, prosecute this nasty person.
The wolf was not a threat to anyone. Hunting any animal is wrong!!!
Science has made strides in the studies of these wolves, and how they live, but, an unlawful act like the man killing the studied wolf should not go unpunished!
Science has made strides in the studies of these wolves, and how they live, but, an unlawful act like the man killing the studied wolf should not go unpunished!
By not punishing that jerk, the message being sent by Fish and Game is that it is ok not to have a permit to kill wolves....I truly hate the politics of Idaho...they are sick people....and why was the jerk out killing coyotes...I cannot believe people like this have the right to even live...they are a blight on the face fact of the earth.
The killing of these scared wolves has got to STOP. This man knew dang well what he was doing was illegal. He should never be allowed to own a gun or hunt again.
Poaching is poaching.......he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the Fish and Game officer that only gave a warning needs to be reprimanded as well. I'm sure if I went fishing and my liscense was expired by a couple of days, I would get a fine.....why should this be any different? His guns should be confiscated and he should not be allowed any hunting liscenses for the rest of his life. I live in Idaho and am ashamed of Fish and Game for letting this go and not prosecuting. Let's change this! Please share this petition with all of your friends.
we all knew it was going to happen ........ he'll die a slow agonizing death and be scared.
Animals don't have a voice, why anyone wants to "trophy" hunt is beyond me, the wolf never put this man in danger and this allowing of wolves after spending money to reestablish them, then no longer protect this is ridiculous. THEY NEED TO PROSECUTE this Poacher, nip this situation in the bud! Let the public know this will not be allowed and yes the game warden that only gave a warning should be repremended as well.
the wolves are fofather to us all an should be left alone just like humans they try to move from human habitats an it is mankind that should be taught to stay within there boundaries we are the ones thant keep changing or enviroment an so they have to adapt to mankind always infringing on the way of life
this is terrible.poacher has to be prosecuted for this.it is a crime to animals with no voice
How does anybody know that this wolf wasn't a threat to the hunter? If I was out in the woods, and a wolf approached me, I would be scared. And if I had a gun, I would shoot it, no matter whether I had a license or not. I wouldn't consider..."Oh, is it 'grizzly bear season'?", if a bear approached. I would shoot first, ask questions later!
What gives this idiot the right to take ANY life upon himself?? There was NO reason for this. Wolves are NOT attackers. They do what they can to steer clear. My god, all you have to do is walk TOWARDS the Wolf and he/she is going to go other way! I would not be afraid if I came up on one...I used to have hybrid's and they are wonderful creatures. How dare this moron do this!! Yes, he MUST be punished to the FULL extent of the law. Of course he knew what he was doing and knew it was illegal. He did not care...he got his Wolf! Ohhh...if I were a Bounty Hunter, this guy would be in some DEEP trouble! PUNISH HIM!!
This is really not cool. This is why I hate the fact that the government made the whole wolf hunting season ok. They are beautiful creatures that should be admired for their beauty. The only reason that they go after cattle is if food is scarse. This guy really needs to be thrown in jail or prison because it is ILLEGAL to shoot a TAGGED wolf. He needs to be prosecuted for his actions not warned!
This "hunter" needs to be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law. He was wrong. What he couldn't see the collar or read his own license? He has no heart to have a gotten a wolf hunting license in the first place? Just because he has a gun doesn't mean that he has a brain. Martha Lordier
Does this mean I can go fishing without a license now?! And I'll only get a warning! I need the fish for food, since the grocery prices have gotten so expensive. (PS I have never fished in my life. Or hunted for that matter.)
Why can you bend the law for this poacher- This is not Right!
Why isn't more wolf rescue groups taking a mate to OR-7 and making a home for him and his mate in Calif, even in a wolf rescue space there? Funds could be raised by selling stuffed plush toy wolves that people can cuddle and wolf T-shirts or other products people use with wolf art on the products.
people who love these animals and wild life in general should know that predator control and herd control of all animals is necessary to keeping our wild life around for our enjoyment. how do you know this guy intended to poach this animal, obviously a mistake was made on his part. fish and game is very adiment in prosecuting poachers and must had found a valid reason in his story for letting him off on a warning. you people are so quick to pass judgement and really need to step back and look at yourselves. I was more sympathetic to this case until i read some of these posts such as........"I cannot believe people like this have the right to even live...they are a blight on the face fact of the earth".-Wolfangel. The hate evident in some of these postings has matter of fact changed my mind i will not sign this petition......I will not align myself with such hate mongering.
Sickening in a word. How this idiot scumbag can be allowed to get away with this leaves a hollow in my stomach. The fact that he then parades the fact with his gruesome photograph makes me sad to be called human. He should be jailed......better still, SHOT. An eye for an eye....when is mankind (now there's a contradiction in terms "manKIND") going to learn that beyond feeding ourselves life is NOT ours for the taking??
For one, you can shoot a tagged wolf, you can shoot any wolf in Idaho as long as the season is open. And a mistake is a mistake. You poor souls should look in the mirror I too have decided not to sing this. You are truly a hateful group of savages your self siding with you would be wrong and two wrongs don't make a right. Maybe you all should set down and read the bible and then look in the mirror you make me sick.
So..you're pleading ignorance about the animal kingdom in their own backyard? In this day of access to unlimited resources for information? A respectful person is someone that does't shoot first, then ask questions about the animals intentions towards him. Please. Learn about the real nature of the animals that you are sharing the land with.
As a resident of Idaho, you could probably make more of an impact writing Fish & Game directly, as well as the politicians at the state capital.
It is the responsibility of the hunter to READ his license and his hunter handbook. All needed information is there!!! This "Man" does not deserve to be a hunter if he is incapable of reading or understanding what he can or cannot do! He was shooting coyotes and there is a definate difference in a coyote and a wolf. He knew what he was doing and he was wrong!!!! Letting him get away with just a slap on the hand is WRONG!!!! This person needs to be prosecuted and needs to lose his hunting privelages!!!!
He knew what he was doing, DUMBASS!!!!! And to be that flagrant of a show-off and that dispicable of a human being, he willing and knowing broke the law, and should be fined and do 5-10 year jail term. Com'mon Idaho:( really, just a tap on the hand. Let him sit in a cell and force him to look at himself and realize what a dumbass he is, and maybe he'll take self responsibility!!!!!
It's funny, I'm sure if it was the other way around and the wolf killed somebody then every agency would be out to get the wolf. A slap on the hand isn't good enough. If the hunter can't read and understand his hunting license then he shouldn't be able to attain one.
I find it very commical that this article doesnt state the facts, clearly. The hunter called fish and game with in 30 minutes of shooting the wolf, he then drove it to the fish and game, and that is when the mix up with the tag was discovered. The hunter was not hunting with the intent of illegally killing a wolf. If that were the case, then all he would have had to do was to purchase a new 2012 tag before calling the fish and game. Wolf hunting is legal in Idaho, I find it very ironic that sites like this can persecute a person with out the full details. I applaud the Idaho fish and game for using commen sense in dealing with this matter, that is usally not the case.
Disgusting show of justice: this poacher should be thrown to the wolves!!!!
Next time this hunter should be hold by the neck like he is doing with this poor wolf.
you dumbies, you want to punish someone for saving countless elk and deer.....i hope or7 wanders this way too. he would look good on the wall too.
"ANOTHER HUNTER" I HOPE U GET SHOT AND MOUNTED ON A WALL LIKE A FUCKING PRIZE U FUCKING IDIOT. LETS SHOOT UR DOG AND MOUNT IT LIKE A PRIZE HUNTING WOLVES SHOULD BE ILLEGAL PERIOD
He knew he was wrong prosecute him now or more ppl are gona follow and use similar excuses. ppl who hunt are heartless we farm animals to eat so y hunt. hunting is jus an excuse to kill something and get away with it. IDIOTS
I am beyond thinking any predator, let alone a wolf, would receive the justice due according to law. Evidently one can totally ignore the "law" there.
Another hunter: I suggest you learn something correct about the biology of the wolf. The "countless" (assuming you can count) elk and deer are being killed by Homo SAPiens, after all we outnumber wolves by how many thousands, hundreds of thousands to one?
Boycott any travel to Idaho and Wyoming.
Well it appears the Idaho Fish and Game and the pos Gov must be in cahoots with each other. If I had gone up there and shot anything I don't think they would have given me a free ride
"trophy" hunting is just wrong. And this man obviously was not going to eat this poor creature. people who do cruel things to animals get away with murder on a daily basis. This doesn't surprise me, but it does sicken me.
Hec we shoot wolves here in Montana all the time its good target practice,,,so what, I shot two today. Whats another wolf. There parasites on elk, deer and moose. Kill em all.
most you people on here are retarded, propably to fat to go out in the woods to see any animals anyways. sit on your ass in front of a computer stuffing your face with a bigmac hating on other people cuz you hate your nasty ass self. HELLO!!! people who hunt are the reason these animals are protected, the billions of dollars that fish and game collects WORLD WIDE go to protecting our wild life and preserving the right to hunt like our ancesters did you ignorant hate mongralling dumb ass's. bought 2 wolf tags today and plan on filling them, heck my wife can buy 2 also and my nephew, hell maybe we can take out a whole pack. lol
Poaching should not be allowed no matter what kind of poaching it is. Poaching should be made illegal.
The fool needs to be prosecuted. It only opens the door to more senseless killings and slaughter if he is not prosecuted. What an absolute moron.
Jackie
What in the hell is the matter with these trigger happy men? Prosecute the guy...
It's SICKENING how there are still ignorant losers out there, armed with guns, who just NEED to kill anything that moves!If this wolf had even just injured this moron, this wolf would've been hunted down, and killed on the spot!! There is absolutely NO excuse to hunt in this day and age of endangered animals. Their "making a living" is nothing short of MURDER for profit. It's about time everyone saw the magnificent wolf, as the Indians did: As a BROTHER,an example of leadership, and community! Let these beautiful animals live in PEACE the way GOD intended it!!!
This was such a selfish and heartless act ! I don't know how anyone could stand themselves after killing such a wonderful and beautiful creature who meant him no harm. All this man cared about was the chance to kill something and taking a trophy picture !! Makes me sick !
Poaching is poaching...he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the F&G officer needs to be fired for not doing his job. To excuse someone for pleading ignorance to killing a wolf or any other animal is wrong and this needs to be an example to everyone that this will not be tolerated. He knew what he was doing and now he needs to pay the price for it...!!! Ignorance is not an excuse to break the law and everyone needs to let F&G know that they are responsible for keeping our wolves safe from idiot hunters...!!!