Outfitters react to Appeals Court ruling

Reaction from local outdoor suppliers and outfitters to the 9th District Court of Appeals upholding of Congress’ removal of the wolf from the Endangered Species Act list has ranged from relief, to applause, to overall statements of overbearing standards that adversely affect logging, mining and overall human well-being.

On Wednesday, the court affirmed the constitutionality of Congress’ removal of wolves from the federal endangered species list.

Ardell Filler, owner of Libby Sports Center, said he believes the decision is consistent with what most residents want.

“That’s good,” Filler said of the decision. “I really think that’s what the majority of most people want.”

Filler and manager David Williams have indicated a consensus of hunters believe the growing wolf population is the reason for the declining numbers of successful deer and elk hunts.

Darren Caldwell, owner of Booze and Bait in Troy who like Libby Sports Center offers hunting clothing, firearms and ammunition, said he has been hearing from hunters for years who blame the decline in big-game sightings on the growth of the wolf population.

“A lot of customers have talked about the wolves. Most think it’s killing the game, the deer, the elk and the moose,” Caldwell said.

“Actually, I must say I’m surprised the court upheld the ruling as liberal as it is,” Caldwell said.

“Yes. I’m happy they upheld it. It just makes sense, and I believe it’ll be good for my business.”

Caldwell also is critical of the Endangered Species Act, saying it’s antiquated.

“I think the whole Endangered Species thing is crazy, kind of ridiculous. I think for the sake of wolves and grizzly bears they want to punish us in the Northwest,” Caldwell said. 

“Just look at what’s happened to the logging here. Now, they want to affect the mining. I just think people should come before wolves and grizzly bears.”

The Western News also left messages for Bill Avants of Mac’s Market. However, those requests for comment were not returned.

Filler and Caldwell are not the only ones to applaud the ruling. 

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation applauded the decision, too.

Attorneys representing RMEF and other conservation groups had presented oral arguments supporting the Congressional action, wolf delisting and science-based, state-regulated management and control of wolf populations.

“This is a huge win for real wildlife management in the U.S.,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. 

“We’re thrilled with the favorable ruling because it upholds the law as well as science and common sense. This decision helps clear the way for continued work by true conservationists to balance wolf populations with other wildlife and human needs.”

Allen suspects the plaintiffs will appeal their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

“I’m hopeful that a Congressional act, multiple courtroom defeats and an American public that is clearly tired of this legal wrangling will encourage our opponents to give up and cede responsible wolf management to conservation professionals in each state. But we’ll have to wait and see.”

RMEF continues to fight wolf lawsuits and support delisting legislation at both federal and state levels.

RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on more than 6 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined.