YOUR AD HERE »

Letter: Mistakes on bear management

Kenneth Else
Silt

The current bear problem solution is as clear as the nose on a person’s face.

I am a lifetime resident of western Colorado and a hunter since late 1940s. Not a bear hunter, though.

There wasn’t a predator bear problem then. In fact, a bear tag was given with a deer license in those days. Federal government men lived in Collbran and other small towns to help the state wildlife people “manage” wildlife. Trapping was the normal where an “imbalance” to the public was found. They were called “government trappers.” I personally knew them.



The idea that the general public should vote in wildlife management was and is a big mistake and always will be. When the spring bear hunt was eliminated, this was the mistake of great consequence. Nothing was gained by this change.

Having the public vote on wildlife issues is like having a teenager the head of Boeing aircraft.



If we want a solution, study the past and the answer is there on our bear problem.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Glenwood Springs and Garfield County make the Post Independent’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.