We have some incredibly disappointing and sad news out of Alberta today. A colleague that works with Wolf Matters on a routine basis has persistently followed up with the Government of Alberta regarding Mr. Kay's comments that the GoA was planning on banning bounties in Alberta and,sadly, below is what he sent us today. We are extremely disappointed by this news:
"When the article was published I emailed Phillips and requested confirmation and an estimated date for a public announcement. Finally after complaining I received an email from Matt Besko, wildlife policy manager in reply to my question. I am sorry to say they are now claiming Kay was misquoted and their position is as follows:
They have made NO DECISION TO REGULATE AGAINST THE USE OF BOUNTIES.
They claim banning bounties WOULD BE A COMPLEX PROCESS and municipalities need them TO MANAGE WILD BOAR AND BEAVER.
They also claim there is NO CONSERVATION ISSUE with bounties, meaning they are not endangering wolf or coyote numbers.
Beaver cannot be managed by bounties anymore than wolves and coyotes and Wild Boar are not wildlife so their argument is non existent. The truth is they are more comfortable with the political expedient than they are properly taking responsibility for managing wildlife.
Wildlife management - Alberta Style!
I am confident Ellis did not misquote Kay and believe he misled her and got caught. I have experienced the same thing myself after a telephone conversation, you need it in writing."
We have written to the Minister and Premier again asking them to reconsider addressing bounties, as well as snares, baiting and poison.
Minister Phillips [email protected]
Premier Notley [email protected]
We encourage you to write as well and to copy your MLA.
"When the article was published I emailed Phillips and requested confirmation and an estimated date for a public announcement. Finally after complaining I received an email from Matt Besko, wildlife policy manager in reply to my question. I am sorry to say they are now claiming Kay was misquoted and their position is as follows:
They have made NO DECISION TO REGULATE AGAINST THE USE OF BOUNTIES.
They claim banning bounties WOULD BE A COMPLEX PROCESS and municipalities need them TO MANAGE WILD BOAR AND BEAVER.
They also claim there is NO CONSERVATION ISSUE with bounties, meaning they are not endangering wolf or coyote numbers.
Beaver cannot be managed by bounties anymore than wolves and coyotes and Wild Boar are not wildlife so their argument is non existent. The truth is they are more comfortable with the political expedient than they are properly taking responsibility for managing wildlife.
Wildlife management - Alberta Style!
I am confident Ellis did not misquote Kay and believe he misled her and got caught. I have experienced the same thing myself after a telephone conversation, you need it in writing."
We have written to the Minister and Premier again asking them to reconsider addressing bounties, as well as snares, baiting and poison.
Minister Phillips [email protected]
Premier Notley [email protected]
We encourage you to write as well and to copy your MLA.
