from IdahoStatesman.com

A federal judge ruled Thursday against the Obama administration and returned wolves in the Rocky Mountains to the Endangered Species List.

That means that hunting seasons in Idaho and Montana will not be allowed to continue.

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy said leaving wolves listed as endangered in Wyoming while delisting them in Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington and northern Utah violates the Endangered Species Act.

“The Endangered Species Act does not allow the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to list only part of a “species” as endangered, or to protect a listed distinct population segment only in part as the Final Rule here does,” Malloy wrote. Idaho’s wolf hunting season could have begun as soon as Aug. 30.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commissioners were slated to set wolf hunting quotas and finalize rules at their Aug. 16 meeting in Idaho Falls. Hunters killed 134 wolves in Idaho and 72 in Montana in 2009 and early this year.

Wolf advocates say that the current population is not big enough to ensure that long term genetic health of the population. Their attorney told the judge they believe 2,000 to 5,000 wolves may be necessary.

But Molloy did not rule on the issue.

“Because the Rule does not comply with the ESA, it is unnecessary to resolve all of the issues raised by the parties.” Idaho had 835 wolves at the end of 2009 and the region, including Montana, Wyoming, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Utah, had an estimated population of 1,706. Since then new pups have joined the packs and before hunting the overall population had been growing at a rate of about 20 percent annually.

Stephen King would be hard pressed to come up with a story more suspenseful than the Western Wolf Recovery Project. If the TRUE story is ever written it will be filled with lies, deceit, secrecy, collusion, theft, threats, human endangerment and government failure – all with a touch of international flavor. And that plot thickened on May 16, 2010, in Bozeman, MT, when former Chief of National Wildlife Refuge Operations, Jim Beers, spoke to a crowd of about 300 on the topic of the “Criminal Activities Associated With The Introduction, Protection, And Spread Of Wolves In The Lower 48 States”…

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Washington, D.C.

Safari Club International (SCI) has successfully defended the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) efforts to manage wild horses in northwest Nevada. Plaintiffs, including an animal rights group, had launched attacks on BLM’s management practices in a federal lawsuit. On May 24, 2010 the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, based on arguments provided by SCI, dismissed the lawsuit, finding that none of the plaintiffs had “standing” to sue.

The horse numbers on the Calico Mountain Complex were three to four times higher than established management levels and the excess horses are causing damage to the ecosystem and harming resident wildlife, including game mammals and birds. The animal rights group “In Defense of Animals,” and two individuals sued the BLM to stop the planned gathering of the excess horses at the Calico Complex, and the subsequent transfer of the horses to long-term holding facilities.

SCI President Larry Rudolph said “Once again, SCI has successfully stepped in … for sustainable management of all species. When herds reach population levels at which they seriously degrade the habitat and harm not only game species, but all kinds of wildlife, it is time for the BLM to take action. Unfortunately, single-minded zealots try to stop these management efforts.

The Calico Mountain Complex is but one of many areas in the West facing similar wild horse overpopulation problems. The BLM is trying to address these problems by gathering horses and putting them up for adoption, as envisioned by the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. Those horses not adopted must be sent to long-term facilities because Congress has removed funding for euthanasia and the commercial sale of excess horses, although the practices are authorized by the Wild Horses Act.

From the beginning of its involvement in the case to a recent oral argument, SCI maintained that the plaintiffs had failed to prove their right to sue. In the end, the Court agreed with SCI and dismissed the case. The plaintiffs now have 60 days to decide whether to appeal the court’s decision.

Wyoming is on the verge of passing two key pieces of gun rights legislation.

HB-95, The Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, and HB-113 Alaska-style permit-less concealed carry, are facing an up-or-down vote before the Wyoming State House of Representatives.

On Tuesday, National Association for Gun Rights Director of Operations Luke ODell was on hand to testify before the Wyoming State House Judiciary Committee on behalf of both HB-95, the Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, and the HB-113, Alaska-style permit less carry.

You may be asking yourself, Why do I care, I dont live in Wyoming?

Its simple: The higher the bar is set, the more pro-gun pieces of legislation pass across the country, the stronger the gun rights movement gets.

Passage of permit-less Alaska-style concealed carry in Wyoming would be a huge step forward toward true firearms freedom. Only in Alaska and Vermont can law-abiding citizens carry concealed firearms for their own protection without getting Big Brothers approval. Should Wyoming join their ranks, the right-to-carry will have taken a major step forward.

Additionally, Wyomings Firearms Freedom Act was written with much stronger language than similar legislation in other states. Wyomings bill included penalties for state law enforcement enforcing Federal laws which contradict Wyoming state law.

Im happy to say that Wyoming Gun Owners, a partner of ours, has been leading the charge for both pieces of legislation.

Now its our turn to help out.

If you live in Wyoming, or know someone who does, please have them contact their Wyoming legislator and tell them to vote Yes on HB-95 and HB-113.

You can find contact information for Wyoming State Legislators here.

If youre not from Wyoming, go ahead and drop them a line anyways. Tell them that you support their efforts to advance freedom in Wyoming.

For Liberty,
Dudley Brown
Executive Director
National Association for Gun Rights

*Help fight gun control. Donate to the National Association for Gun Rights!

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From www.nraila.org

Please Thank Attorney General Lawrence Wasden!

Two-thirds of the nations attorneys general have filed an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to grant certiorari in the case of NRA v. Chicago and hold that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This bi-partisan group of 33 attorneys general, along with the Attorney General of California in a separate filing, agrees with the NRAs position that the Second Amendment protects a fundamental individual right to keep and bear arms, disagreeing with the decision recently issued by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Attorney General Wasden was one of the many who agrees that the Second Amendment is a fundamental individual right and signed the amicus brief. Please call Attorney General Wasden at (208) 334-2400 and thank him for standing up in support of the Second Amendment. You may also e-mail him at webmaster@ag.idaho.gov.

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May 4, 2009 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule delisting gray wolves in the Northern Rockies and Western Great Lakes became official.

• Wolf Delisting Rule Becomes Final

April 2, 2009 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule delisting gray wolves in the Northern Rockies and Western Great Lakes published in the Federal Register. Rule would take effect May 4.

• Final Wolf Delisting Rule

March 6, 2009 – Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will send the delisting rule to the Federal Register for publication. The rule would take effect days after publication, and includes wolves in Idaho and Montana; wolves in Wyoming would remain on the endangered species list.

• Interior Secretary Announces Delisting
• Wolf Delisting Rule Announced

January 20, 2009 – Proposed delisting rule covering Idaho and Montana suspended pending review by the new Obama administration.

January 14, 2009 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the pending publication of a delisting rule for gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes. The Northern Rockies rule, however, does not include Wyoming, where wolves will remain on the endangered species list.

• USFWS Removes Wolves from Endangered Species List
• Federeal Register Text of Final Rule

October 24, 2008 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reopened the public comment period on its proposal to delist the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains. In a notice published in the Federal Register October 28, Fish and Wildlife asked the public to comment and provide any additional information on the February 2007 proposal to delist wolves by November 28.

• Federal Register Notice

October 14, 2008 – U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy granted the United States’ motion to remand the delisting rule to the Fish and Wildlife Service. He also dismissed the lawsuit that challenged the delisting.

• Remand Order

July 18, 2008 – Federal district judge issues a preliminary injunction that returns wolves in Idaho to endangered species protection and puts hunting seasons on hold.

• Wolf Delisting Court Case

May 22, 2008 – Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopts proposed wolf hunting seasons and rules for fall 2008.

• Proposed Hunting Seasons and Rules

April 28, 2008 – 12 conservation and animal rights groups file a lawsuit in federal court challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to remove the gray wolf in Idaho and the Northern Rocky Mountains from the endangered species list, and request a preliminary injunction staying the delisting until the lawsuit is settled.

• Wolf Delisting Court Case

March 28, 2008 – Delisting rule becomes final and Idaho assumes full responsibility for wolves, which will be managed as a big game animal. Fish and Wildlife would continue to monitor wolf recovery for five years.

March 6, 2008 – Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopts Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan, which includes a framework for future wolf hunting seasons.

• Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan

March 2008 – Idaho Legislature amends state code IC 36-1107 to allow livestock and domestic animal owners to kill a wolf that is molesting or attacking their animals, making wolf management more similar to black bears and mountain lions.

February 27, 2008 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisting rule posted in the Federal Register.

February 21, 2008 – February 21, 2008 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service filed the rule that would remove gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains from the federal endangered species list. Delisting will proceed including Wyoming.

January 28, 2008 “ Notice of amended 10j rule published in the Federal Register. Rule changes allow wolves to be killed that are in the act of attacking livestock, riding and packing stock or dogs legally present on public and private land, and provides allowances for killing wolves affecting ungulate populations.

February 8, 2007 – Notice of delisting process published in Federal Register. Delisting is proposed in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and parts of Washington, Oregon and Utah. Delisting may proceed without Wyoming.

January 29, 2007 – Fish and Wildlife Service announced intention of starting the process to remove gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains from the endangered species list. Public hearings set and 60-day public comment period launched.

January 5, 2006 – Memorandum of Agreement between Idaho and the U.S. Department of Interior signed by Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and transferring authority for day-to-day wolf management to the state as agent for the Fish and Wildlife Service under the revised 10(j) rule.

May 2005 – Memorandum of Agreement between Idaho and the Nez Perce Tribe signed, giving the tribe a significant role in wolf conservation. Tribal officials will monitor wolves within the McCall Subregion and the Clearwater Region and participate with Idaho Fish and Game in other wolf conservation measures.

February 7, 2005 – Revised 10(j) rules take effect, easing wolf management rules, and giving states a role in wolf management under agreements to be negotiated with the Fish and Wildlife Service.

January 6, 2005 – The Fish and Wildlife Service publishes the final revised 10(j) rules in the Federal Register.

Summer 2004 – Fish and Game work with cooperators to transition into wolf management duties statewide.

March 2004 – Wolf management training of Idaho Fish and Game staff members across Idaho was conducted with assistance of cooperating agency wolf specialists. About 300 staff members were trained to understand their roles and responsibilities in monitoring and management of wolves, coordination protocol and outreach, and other management responsibilities.

March 9, 2004 – The Fish and Wildlife Service published in the Federal Register its proposal to revise wolf management rules under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act. The proposed rules would allow more flexibility in managing wolves and would allow states with accepted wolf managment plans to take over much of the wolf management roles and responsibilities. Fish and Wildlife will make a decision on the rule amendment following a 60-day public comment period.

February 2004 – Wyoming decides to sue the Fish and Wildlife Service to accept their plan. Fish and Wildlife delays delisting until Wyoming plan is accepted.

January 2004 – The Fish and Wildlife Service deems Montana and Idaho plans are adequate, but the Wyoming plan is inadequate for delisting.

November 2003 – The Fish and Wildlife Service requests 11 wolf experts to review the three state plans and determine whether they are adequate for preservation of wolves once delisted.

April 2003 – Legislature repealed law 36-715 and passed HB294 to allow Fish and Game to fully implement the Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and work with the Office of Species Conservation prior to delisting in wolf management.

2002 – Work with the Office of Species Conservation, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana and Wyoming to develop a wolf de-listing package that would turn over wolf management authority to the states following delisting.

• Increase efforts to record statewide wolf observation records and develop a procedure to document and monitor wolf recovery in conjunction with the Fish and Wildlife Service and Nez Perce Tribe.

April 2002 – Begin working with the Office of Species Conservation in developing a memorandum of understanding with the Nez Perce Tribe, identifying the tribe’s future involvement with wolves and developing a wolf harvest agreement following delisting.

March 2002 – Idaho Legislature passes a joint resolution to accept the Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan as written; identifies Fish and Game as the primary entity responsible for wolf management following de-listing; identifies the Nez Perce Tribe as having a significant role in wolf management following delisting.

October 2001 – Gov. Dirk Kempthorne directs the Office of Species Conservation to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Fish and Game, Nez Perce Tribe, and others in the delisting of wolves in Idaho.

September 2001 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service documents 30 pairs of wolves in the three-state area of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, triggering the three-year countdown to delisting.

August 2001 – Draft 16 of the Management Plan was sent out for professional review.

June 2001 – The Wolf Oversight Committee submitted draft 16 of the Management Plan to the USFWS which included recommended changes by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

December 2000 – The Northwest Natural Resource Group submitted a summary of the comments on the Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan to the governor’s Office of Species Conservation and the Legislative Wolf Oversight Committee.

2000 – Idaho Legislature approves state statute §67-818, creating in the office of the governor, the “Office of Species Conservation” to coordinate all state-related activities involving federally listed threatened and endangered species.

December 1998 – 24 of the original 35 wolves were known to be alive and were still being monitored. The estimated population in Idaho was 115 wolves. This was the first year that one component of recovery (10 breeding pairs) was attained.

November 1998 – Idaho Wolf Oversight Committee begins working on a new Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan.

1998 – Sen. Stan Hawkins ear-marked Fish and Game funds to study predator impacts on big game animals, focusing on wolves in the Salmon region.

1996 – Governor Phil Batt recommends the State become more involved in the wolf recovery process.

1996 – First pups produced in Idaho; 3 known packs identified.

January 1996 – 20 wolves released into central Idaho. Limited involvement by Fish and Game in accordance with Idaho statute.

1995 – Idaho Legislature rejected a Wolf Recovery and Management Plan produced by the Legislative Wolf Oversight Committee which would have allowed Fish and Game to assume the lead role in wolf recovery in Idaho. Nez Perce Tribe leads recovery effort.

January 1995 – 15 wolves released into central Idaho. Fish and Game participates in reintroductions and assumes lead management role if state plan is approved. Otherwise, the Fish and Wildlife Service will proceed with reintroductions on its own and retain full management authority.

Fall 1994 – Final Experimental Population Rules issued and published in the Federal Register.

• Litigation filed by Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, Farm Bureau, and others regarding the release of wolves and the use of the Experimental Population designation.
• Negotiations/ Fish and Wildlife Service policy decision regarding involvement of Nez Perce Tribe.
• Public meetings on State plan held to inform public.

October 17, 1994 – Public comment period on proposed Experimental Population Rules closes.

October 14, 1994 – Interagency meeting to develop and prioritize a list of potential release sites.

October 1994 – Idaho wolf management plan is nearing completion. But if the Fish and Wildlife Service does not change the Final Experimental Rules to further reduce protection of wolves and increase protection of livestock interests, several members of the Idaho Wolf Oversight Committee are pushing to go outside the parameters established by the Fish and Wildlife Service. This could jeopardize all state involvement in wolf recovery and management.

September 27-29, 1994 – Public hearings on Proposed Experimental Rule held in Boise, Helena, Cheyenne, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Washington D.C.

August 16, 1994 – Proposed Experimental Population Rules for Yellowstone and central Idaho published in the Federal Register and 60-day comment period began.

• States and Tribe can enter cooperative agreements with the Fish and Wildlife Service to take lead if they develop suitable wolf management plans. State and tribal wolf management activities would be funded by the Fish and Wildlife Service until wolves are removed from the Endangered Species List.
• Experimental population areas would be established for the central Idaho and Yellowstone areas. In northern Idaho, north of I-90, wolves will retain full protection of the Endangered Species Act.
• 15 wolves to be reintroduced in central Idaho and 15 in Yellowstone National Park for three to five years or until at least two packs establish and reproduce successfully in two consecutive years.
• Wolves are expected to reach the recovery level of at least 10 breeding pairs that breed successfully for three consecutive years by 2002.

August 10, 1994 – Record of Decision was published in Federal Register.

July 13, 1994 – Secretary of Agriculture signed a letter concurring with the Record of Decision. This assured the full cooperation of the U.S. Forest Service.

June 15, 1994 – Secretary of Interior signed the EIS Record of Decision supporting the Fish and Wildlife Services proposed action and directed that it be implemented as soon as possible.

May 4, 1994 – EIS is completed. The Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to reintroduce wolves into central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park as a non-essential experimental population. If states and tribes develop acceptable wolf management plans, they could enter into a cooperative agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service to take lead in managing wolves.

April 1994 – In anticipation that the EIS would recommend reintroduction of wolves into Idaho under a non-essential, experimental status and provide an opportunity for the state to take a lead role in wolf management, the state Legislature amended Idaho Code §36-715 to allow Fish and Game to work with the Wolf Oversight Committee to develop and implement an Idaho Wolf Management Plan.

July 1993 – Draft EIS was released and resulted in 160,284 comments from public, agencies, and interest groups. It contained a Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to reintroduce gray wolves into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho if two naturally occurring wolf packs are not found in either area before October 1994.

1992 – State Legislature amended Idaho Code §36-715 to allow Fish and Game to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service to prepare the environmental impact statement. The Legislature established a Wolf Oversight Committee to guide and advise the department in all aspects of their involvement in the EIS process.

1991 – Congress directed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prepare an environmental impact statement on the plan to reintroduce wolves into central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park.

1991 – The Wolf Management Committee submitted their Plan to Congress.

November 1990 – Congress established a national Wolf Management Committee, directing the Secretary of the Interior to appoint a 10-member committee to develop a gray wolf reintroduction and management plan for Yellowstone National Park and the Central Idaho wilderness area. Fish and Game Director Jerry Conley was appointed a member of the committee.

1988 – State Legislature restricted the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s involvement in wolf recovery activities unless expressly authorized by state statute §36-715.

1980s – Numerous field surveys conducted in Idaho to document the presence of wolves.

1978 – In 1978, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service relisted the gray wolf as endangered at the species level throughout the conterminous 48 States and Mexico, except for Minnesota where it was reclassified as threatened.

1974 – Four subspecies of gray wolves (Canis lupus) were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act – the gray wolf in the Northern Rocky Mountains, the eastern timber wolf in the northern Great Lakes region, the Mexican wolf in Mexico and the southwestern United States, and the Texas gray wolf of Texas and Mexico.

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A quote I carry in my wallet:

Not all dogs are fit to hunt, nor in the same way are all men gratified by it. Nor, for those of us who share this dogs pleasure of hunting (if you will,) do I ask special tolerance or understanding. We are as we are and if we seem to you to act immorally it is certainly your right to feel so, but I say most seriously that you exceed your rights when you urge that laws be made in the shape of your conscience to block pleasures permitted by mine. When you prevail you commit a crime against freedom and that’s the greatest immorality I know. ~ Vance Vourgaily

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Alaska Governor Sarah Palin isnt afraid of anyone or anybody when it comes to doing what is right for the people within the constitutions and laws in which we all must abide.

Forget the far lefts attempt to smear Palin and her family, a left extremism that Barack Obama and many others support, the democrats in general are attempting to make an issue about Governor Palins experience. Its probably a bit objective as to whether Governor Palin has more or less experience than Senator Obama. The liberal media, in its support of Obama, is saying that Sarah Palin doesnt measure up to Obama in experience and that Senator John McCains attack campaign against Obamas inexperience will now backfire, as he has picked a running mate with little experience.

Isnt it bizarre in some ways that we are even having this discussion? Those who follow Obama think he is their man. They do and say what they think is necessary to get their guy elected. McCains camp is doing the same thing but I see it just a bit differently.

I would give the experience nod to Palin for two reasons. One, I think her past in office has presented her with real executive decisions of which Obama has not had. Two, I personally more strongly approve of Palins past experience as one I would look for in a candidate. I want a real person, one that actually does remember what life is like, not just talk about it.

But lets forget about this experience thing for a moment. Palin is fearless and I dont think it much matters what color suit or dress the opponent is wearing. If you compare two candidates, both with equally little past experience, the kind some people seem to think is vitally important, dont we then look at other aspects of that person in determining a winner – like character, morals, strengths and weaknesses?

I would trade you one experience card for one gutsy performer. I love a gutsy guy! Im a sports fan and have been for years. I am always drawn to underachiever athletes who make up for perhaps some natural athletic ability by out hustling the opponent, and I mean out working them. These kinds of people are determined and fearless. It comes out in their performances.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has taken her share of grief over her position on wolf management. For those who may not know, her team of respected wildlife scientists and game commission, implemented a plan that involves the reduction of wolf populations in a very limited number of specific areas where it has been determined that wolf populations are too high and they are decimating the moose and caribou.

Alaskas constitution demands that game animals must be managed to provide opportunities for its residents to hunt and fish. Allowing wolves in these isolated and limited areas to go unmanaged, is not only illegal but irresponsible as well. Many methods have been tried and due to the geography and other dynamics of the situation, it was decided to utilize aircraft as a tool to cull the wolf population. This has all been done within all the laws.

Palin has heard from just about every animal rights organization and has had to spend Alaskan resources fighting this decision in court but she believes that it has to be done according to law and that the majority of residents agree. A recent ballot measure proved that to be the case.

Palin has stood by her team of fish and wildlife experts and essentially told all newcomers she isnt changing her mind. She has taken a similar stance on the recent announcement by her own republican party, that the polar bear would be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. It takes guts to buck your own party but she has proven it doesnt matter. I think she is a We the People person.

When Gov. Palin announced that the state of Alaska was going to file suit against the U.S. Department of Interior over the polar bear listing, it set off a firestorm of anger throughout the world of environmentalists. Back in May when I reported this story, Kassie Siegel from the Center for Biological Diversity, accused Gov. Palin as being either misinformed or intentionally misleading. Because Palin wasnt interested in buying into global warming that some scientists think might create some problems for the polar bear, she did what she knew was the right thing to do even though Seigal blasted her position.

The governor is aligning herself and the state of Alaska with the most discredited, fringe, extreme viewpoints by denying this.

What is refreshing is that it appears the state of Alaska has a governor that holds environmental extremism in very low regard. There is nothing I would like more than to see a president and vice president, an administration and a Congress that did the same thing.

But in reality, I think Palin takes comments made about her by individuals and groups as nothing more than a pesky mosquito – a little DEET and theyll go away.

But this all pales in comparison to how she handled California Congressman George Miller after he submitted a proposed bill that would put an end to the state of Alaskas constitutional agreement to manage its own wildlife.

Back in September I told you what Miller was up to and how Governor Palin was handling it. One thing she did was send the honorable congressman a letter(pdf).

Here are a few choice excerpts from Gov. Palins letter to Rep. Miller dated September 27, 2007:

On behave of the state of Alaska, I am writing to express my displeasure with your introduction of a bill that proposes to end what you refer to as airborne hunting of wolves and bears in Alaska. You have misconstrued the reality of life in Alaska and the importance of wild game as food for the people of this state. You displayed a shocking lack of understanding wildlife management in the North and the true structure and function of Alaskas predator control programs. You have threatened the very foundations of federalism and the states abilities to manage their own affairs as they see fit.

I am dismayed that you did not attempt to contact the state your bill affects most directly before announcing your legislation. At the very least, we could have helped you correct the many inaccuracies and misstatements of fact in both the written and the oral portions of your media presentation yesterday¦¦¦¦..

I am especially concerned your draft threatens the constitutionally guaranteed sovereignty not just of the state of Alaska, but all states.

In her letter, Palin quite adequately explains to Congressman Miller how much of the predator control program of Alaska works. She ends the letter this way.

With all due respect Congressman Miller, you failed to do your homework. I urge you to learn more about the realities of Alaskas predator control program, and not to swallow the rhetoric of special interest advocacy groups trying to raise money for their inaccurate campaigns¦¦¦

The wolves in this case that Governor Palin doesnt fear are the special interest advocacy groups and their inaccurate campaigns, as well as one Congressman George Miller. In all honesty, I just cant see her being intimidated with anyone who might be a threat to this country, whether they live in California or Tehran.

This is the kind of experience that you cant put a measure to. I want a leader who will stand up to whatever and whoever threatens the constitution of this nation, our sovereignty and freedom.

Tom Remington

http://ushuntingtoday.com/news/

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (B&B)
With glaring spotlights cast in the eyes of Sarah Palin, this national stage newcomer stood and delivered a speech that had the audience in the Xcel Center on its feet, and no doubt millions in TV land cheering along with them. Palins Wednesday night speech at the Republican National Convention attracted 37 million viewers, and the event should be regarded kindly by historians in years to come.

Regardless of your political leanings, you have to agree that this woman can deliver a speech in a way that makes you feel like she is talking directly to you as an individual.

Her diction was excellent, her delivery exceptional and she didnt hesitate to take on her detractors with hard-hitting jabs interlaced with a little humor. This self-described hockey mom may try to give the impression that she is ordinary, but dont let that ploy fool you. In her own words tonight, she served warning to her opponents, You know what they say about the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick.

Following a barrage of personal attacks against her family members and her own credentials for the office, from both the media and the Obama campaign, she took the offensive, electrifying the audience and giving the Republican Party a jolt that was exhilarating, if not to the political pundits. She also served notice to them as well, with this remark.

Heres a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: Im not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. Im going to Washington to serve the people of this country.

Earlier in the day, she attended a meeting with Republican governors, commenting afterward that leading a state means you have to make decisions and not just vote present, a reference to Obamas notorious record in the Illinois Senate where he voted present dozens of times to avoid taking a stand on controversial issues.

Palin has executive experience that far exceeds being present, and after this speech her opponents should have a newfound respect for her poise, her repartee and her pit bull bite.

2008 Copyright Bulls & Beavers LLC

DAYTON, Ohio (B&B)

Sportsmen and women who have been struggling with the choices in this years presidential race may have found a ticket they can vote for with enthusiasm, when Republican John McCain introduced Alaskas Governor, Sarah Palin, as his choice for a running mate. Palin is a solid choice for conservative values, second amendment rights and the heartfelt family traditions of hunting and fishing.

Palin became a fast-rising star in Alaska politics, after winning the mayors seat in her hometown of Wasilla, in 1996, defeating a three-term incumbent. A short ten years later, she became the first female and youngest governor of the state. This remarkable achievement was not unexpected to her fellow state champion basketball teammates, who nicknamed Palin Barracuda for her aggressive play as point guard for Wasilla High School.

Alaska is a state where individualists are treasured and Palin and her family fill that bill. Following her success on the basketball court, she became Miss Wasilla, then runner-up as Miss Alaska, and then moved quickly from beauty queen to first lady of the frontier state. Her husband, Todd, whom she refers to as the First Dude, has worked as a commercial fisherman, production operator for BP on the North Slope when hes not straddling his snowmobile. Todd has won the Tesoro Iron Dog, the worlds longest snowmobile race, four times.

Maintaining the difficult pace of a presidential campaign shouldnt be an issue for Sarah Barracuda Palin. She comes from good outdoor stock, with an inclination toward the long run. Her parents, Chuck and Sally Heath, hunt and fish but both have also completed marathons.

As a mother of five children, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Track and Trig, who was born in April of this year with Down syndrome, she is very familiar with heavy demands on her time and the mandatory machinations of multi-tasking.

Shes a lifetime NRA member, which compares well to the gun controlling inclinations of the Obama ticket.

Now, the big question that remains is how her favorite meal, moose stew, will serve on the Whitehouse china?

Copyright 2008 Bulls & Beavers LLC. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.