by Tom Wharton
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers’ core value is to keep as many of the remaining 80 million acres of roadless lands in the National Forest system as possible from being developed.
The group rejects the idea that there are “good” and “bad” wildlife, and instead supports the concept that predator and prey are part of the same web of life. It calls for an appropriate balance of predator and prey in natural systems based on sound science that includes hunting.
“I like the experience of being in a place where I am not at the top of the food chain,” said Eckerle. “You have a different outdoor experience in grizzly country. You look over your shoulder to see what’s near you. It’s the same with wolves. It’s really not wilderness when there are no other predators as part of the system.”
Teklanika Nature Photography 