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Michigan: Urge your state representative to vote “NO” on HB 6008

HB 6008 is a dangerous bill that would force Michigan to open a trophy hunting and recreational trapping season on wolves if their federal protections under the Endangered Species Act are removed. If passed, wolves would be needlessly killed by bullets and in steel-jawed traps and wire snares, which cause extreme suffering and endanger pets, working dogs and non-target wildlife—all for nothing more than bragging rights or a trophy.

There’s no scientific or ethical justification for this. Last year, there were only three confirmed wolf conflicts in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and research shows that killing wolves does not prevent conflicts for farmers. Even Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources has repeatedly stated that harsh weather, not wolves, drives declines in deer populations, and that Michigan’s wolf population has remained stable for more than a decade without recreational killing.

Michigan voters already made their position clear by rejecting two wolf hunting laws. And a statewide survey found that 71% of residents want the state to respect that voter decision and keep wolves protected.

TAKE ACTION

Fill out the form to urge your state representative to protect Michigan’s wolves by saying “NO” to HB 6008.

This action alert is for U.S. residents.

Your Message

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Dear Representative,  

Please vote no on HB 6008, a bill that would require the state of Michigan to hold wolf trophy hunting and trapping seasons if wolves lose their federal protections under the Endangered Species Act. Michiganders have made it clear that we do not want our wolves trophy hunted or trapped, and we have already voted on this issue twice. A February 2022 survey of Michigan residents found that 71% of Michiganders believe state officials should honor the voters’ decision in the 2014 general election to not open a wolf trophy hunting and trapping season. 

There is no scientific or ethical justification for the trophy hunting and recreational trapping of wolves. Conflicts with wolves are very rare (last year, only three of the more than 1,000 working livestock farms in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula experienced a conflict), and research finds that killing wolves will not prevent conflicts. Instead, nonlethal methods, such as fencing and guardian dogs, are much more effective. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has repeatedly stated that wolves are not a primary factor limiting the deer population—a fact that numerous scientific studies confirm. And ongoing research by Michigan DNR and Tribal scientists strongly suggests that vehicle collisions, disease and parasites are significant factors in moose mortality, as they are in other states’ moose populations. 

As apex carnivores, wolves manage their own numbers according to available habitat and prey and do not need human intervention. In fact, Michigan’s wolf population has remained stable for more than a decade in the absence of any recreational killing. 

Steel-jawed leghold traps and wire snares used by wolf trappers cause extreme suffering and endanger pets, working dogs, and non-target wildlife, including endangered species. Researchers find that snares in particular causes an even more slow and agonizing death for wolves and other canids like foxes, coyotes and dogs, because of their well-developed neck muscles. 

HB 6008 goes against Michigan values. Its passage would not benefit our farmers or rural residents—it would lead to unspeakable cruelty and harm wolves, our ecosystem, and potentially pets and other wildlife. I urge you to vote no if this bill comes before you.

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