Wildlife

In response to “Sting Breaks Up Slaughter of Alaska Wildlife,” Feb. 15:

The tragedy played out on the tundra and ice floes of Alaska shouldn’t surprise any concerned conservationist/hunter. The people living in close proximity to traditional animal prey are virtually precluded from utilizing the resource by “protective” federal legislation of unendangered species.

Under current law, the native population may take a limited number of unendangered species, i.e., walrus and polar bear, for very limited purposes. A minimal economic return is realized via scrimshaw and rugs. Without incentive to protect and expand the walrus and polar bear populations, natives are impacted by poverty-level income and tragic druguse.

Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, through the “camp fire” program, has witnessed a tremendous increase in its elephant population and resulting income-flow to the villages from the elephant-hunting community. No more poaching and too many elephants are the norm, giving the villagers an economic reason to protect the resource.

A polar bear hunt in the Northwest Territory of Canada costs $14,000--the predominance of which stays with the native villager conducting the hunt. No drug or alcohol problems here.

The modification of the Marine Mammals Act of 1981 would result in tremendous economic opportunities for American Inuits.

The polar bear and walrus populations are not endangered or even threatened. Change the law and watch the transformation of the Far North.

RAYMOND W. LIDEN

Education Chairman

Safari Club International

San Fernando Chapter

Westlake Village