Olaus Murie is considered the father of modern elk management, and for years, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation gave out awards in Murie’s name, but that has ended.
Donald Murie, Olaus’s son, recently sent a letter to RMEF president David Allen, saying that if the group didn’t reverse its stance on hunting wolves, they needed to stop giving out the Olaus Murie Award. RMEF has decided to stop giving out the award.
While Murie’s letter said that there is no scientific reasoning to hunt wolves, the RMEF and multiple partners have conducted years of research that show that wolves have a serious negative impact on the elk populations. They were instrumental in getting wolves delisted and helping organize the wolf seasons in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
“We’re not going to change our position,” RMEF Operating Officer Rod Triepke said to the Missoulian, according to the Outdoor Hub. “We believe in science-based management and that hasn’t changed. We’re not sure what the entire letter’s based upon.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services retired biologist Jim Beers also came out in support of the RMEF’s plan. –Brian McClintock
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