WOLF: Shooter is - alas - guilty

Having read the letters to the editor by Messer’s Collin Galloway and George Silva, I feel compassion for the statements they made. I am also not a wolf lover, but the wolves are here so let Fish and Game regulate their existence. Lt. Commander Forrest Mize is an honored ex-military and seems to be a responsible citizen.

He shot a wolf that he observed to be in a threatening position with respect to his dogs. So far, so good. I would have done the same. Mr. Forrest probably knows the law. You must have a tag prior to taking game. However after taking the wolf, Mr. Forrest than proceeded to purchase a wolf tag and than it has been reported, he took the wolf to a taxidermist who refused the wolf hide as it was an illegal take. At this time surely Mr. Forrest must have been aware that he was in violation of the law!

What is the question? I am in emotional agreement with all three gentlemen; however, if we citizens all tend to let emotion guide us rather than logically following the Rule of Law, then the citizens of this county, state and country are in big trouble! In fact, that is in my opinion, a big reason we have some of the problems that exist in our culture today. We do not follow the U.S. Constitution and subsequent existing laws and we let emotional decisions, which leads to poor judgment, sway the intent of the law.

I am sympathetic with Mr. Forrest having the hide. I also would be proud to own such a trophy. However, the law seems to have been clearly violated and in my opinion, a settlement would have been in order as offered by Fish and Game. Unfortunately, in agreement with logic but in opposition to my emotion, I would expect the Prosecutor’s findings to be “Guilty’’ and if I were to be seated in the jury panel I would reluctantly also find “Guilty” as my decision.

JACK H. NOMANSON

Hayden