Friends of Animals calls for Idaho potato boycott after governor vows to participate in wolf massacre

On August 24, 2009, Spencer wrote:

Here is the thing,
Its perfectly fine wanting to change an event as the wolf hunting, but when you boycott potatoes you don’t hurt those that want the hunt, you hurt the farmers that have nothing to do with it. This idea is terrible. Maybe o some research on the ranches that are calling for the hunt and take it out on them.

[Blog editors’ note: Economic boycotts turn the lights on and Gov. Otter’s a slob who is getting away with murder. Let the potato farmers sound off and put pressure on Gov. Otter who pledges to be first in line to kill a wolf. It’s elk hunters more than ranchers calling for the decimation of wolves. Who in the world here can appease them? They’re antiquated menaces.]

On August 24, 2009, Bill Lau wrote:

If you want the wolves so bad take them home with you and stop pushing them on the people of Idaho.

On August 25, 2009, Barry Keiffer wrote:

I live in a small town where most residents hunt. Not all but some of those hunters shoot anything that moves, tags or not. Moose, bear, deer, and elk are being shot with no tags. You cannot regulate those idiots. After they get all liquored up, they even shoot those dangerous beer cans they drank , then go after those pesty road signs.

On August 25, 2009, Maryanne Appel wrote:

Here’s what I wrote to Governor Otter (who, I feel, does not deserve such an esteemed name, and I am not referring here to the title of “Governor”):

“With all due respect to you, hating wolves while respecting them is one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard. If you truly respect these sentient, intelligent beings, please acknowledge their right to live their lives as nature intended, free of human interference, domination, and cruelty, and put down your hunting rifle. Wolves’ family ties and their caring for each other, especially their children, would put many humans to shame.

“Until I hear that Idaho has outlawed this senseless slaughter of wolves, I will make sure that the potatoes I purchase for my family are not grown in Idaho.”

~ Maryanne Appel

On August 25, 2009, Mark wrote:

I definitely will not buy potatoes from Idaho and I will inform others in MA and NH of this ignorance. Shame on their government.

On August 29, 2009, Brian Harris wrote:

Wolves do need managing. You don’t realize as the wolf population grows deer and elk population shrink. You should imagine losing 12 to 15 thousand dollars of income per year to these wolves, or imagine finding your family pet torn to shreds by wolves. I donated to the re-introduction program but I also believe in management. You don’t know what its like to live here, don’t think you know wat is best for our state.

[Blog editors’ note: Wolf-haters are a minority in both Idaho and Alaska, yet they want a stranglehold on public policy. They may have Gov. Otter in their clutches, but that doesn’t make tortured thinking more relevant.]

On August 29, 2009, Richard Hayes wrote:

I agree with Brian. Certainly the animals need managing. I have friends and family who have lost thousands of dollars due to the so called re-introduction of these predators and sure as hell don’t need some eastern liberal telling me how to run MY state.

On August 30, 2009, Yellowbird wrote:

Hold on to your hats folks. This cause is about to explode. It has been seen by the national organizations and the word is going out. We will boycott ALL Idaho products until the wolf is saved.

On August 31, 2009, Jim wrote:

Read the article in our Billings paper today , I have been thinking of a way to solve all our differences . I am suggesting to all westerners to collect all the cages and dart guns they can muster up . We will collect all your wolves that were forced on us out west , toss them in some semi trucks and bring them back to you and set them FREE . This solves everything , we will rid our wilds of these damn wolves you forced on us , and you will have all your precious little killers ( lets see how you deal with them !!! ) just remember your totally liberal statement ( they don’t need management ! )

[ Blog editors’ note: Wilds have predators, Jim. That’s nature’s reality.]

On August 31, 2009, mike maglish wrote:

Alright so I am not a hunter nor do i really even like the concept of hunting. However, Wolves were REINTRODUCED to the area here. Up in Stanley Idaho there used to be, literally, thousands head of elk and moose. Now you are lucky to see a handful. The wolves have decimated the population. Why do you keep using the words, “Senseless slaughter?” That about all the elk and moose, whose populations are being demolished. The wolf population is out of hand!

[Blog editors’ note: Wolves are part of Idaho’s environment and the same is true with elk and moose. It’s the two-legged hunters who decimate elk and moose through shooting sprees. And, it’s human behavior that needs control. Leave free-living animals alone to eke out their own livings.

On August 31, 2009, James McBride wrote:

The people who want to have an unlimited number of wolves seem to have no empathy for other species that are being wiped out by the wolves. Hunters pay to have professional fish and game managers balance game populations through habitat restoration and hunting regulation. They know how to do their jobs but cannot because of interference by unreasonable and often ignorant radicals who use the courts to acheive their selfish goals. Boycotting Idaho potatos is extortion and might be illegal. Shipping some wolves to the East Coast might be a good way to share their benefit.

FoA comments:

No one is asking for ” an unlimited wolves number of wolves,” but anyone suggesting that fish and game managers have done a good job at managing anything other than their livelihood are approaching the height of unlimited foolishness. But the statement about the legality of the boycott or shipping wolves to the East Coast certainly exceeds the limits for stupidity and may prompt another boycott.

On August 31, 2009, Le Ann from Idaho wrote:

I’m a life-long Idaho resident and animal rights activist who opposes the wolf hunt. However, despite the fact that Idaho is famous for it’s delicious potatoes, the crop actually only comprises a small part of the state’s economy. If you live in New England, you are most assuredly eating potatoes grown in the lovely state of MAINE, not Idaho. This is a pretty lame plan of attack. You will need to boycott McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, etc.; fast food franchises who buy their frozen french fries almost exclusively from the Simplot Corporation in Southern Idaho. Also, you should lobby for the support of big-name, deep-pockets celebrities and politicians (Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Tom Hanks, Demi Moore, Aston Kutcher, Bruce Willis, Carole King, JOHN KERRY, and others) who maintain residences in Idaho. Target the TOURISM and TIMBER trades - you’ll get a lot more mileage than skipping the fries when order a salad at Mickey D.’s.

FoA comments:

Thanks for the advice. You won’t find us at any of the fast-food franchises you’ve mentioned. We have long ago boycotted them for their continued assaults on animals and the environment. Growing potatoes is a significant part of Idaho’s economy, but it was chosen as a symbol for all of Idaho to bring attention to Governor Otter’s hatred of wolves.

On August 31, 2009, Paul wrote:

It is interesting that you refused to post my comment this morning when I mentioned the over 120 sheep killed at one time by a single pack of wolves…

FoA comments

Pay attention. That subject has been addressed. Stop complaining that wolves are killing sheep while supporting the raising of sheep.

On September 1, 2009, Scott wrote:

Oh my goodness…this is SO typical of un-educated ignorant rednecks everywhere who love to tote guns. It makes them feel big to shoot innocent helpless animals. It makes them feel smart cause “I bagged me a big one!!” They think it’s a sport. The only way hunting will EVER be a sport is if the animal they are stalking has a gun as well. Very good big boy, you shot an animal who had no idea you were there, and had no way of defending himself. You must be soooo proud. Anyone can destroy……it doesn’t make you special,or talented. it makes you dummer then the beautiful animal you just killed for no good reason at all. Believe me, nature was around way before you came along Rambo…and i think it’s doing a fine job. It really doesn’t need you to “control” it’s population.

On September 1, 2009, J. Wallenstein wrote:

I second Le Ann’s comment of August 31st. Extending the boycott to goods and services that are a bigger part of the state’s economy would increase its effectiveness. In its current form it seems, as you yourself say in your reply, mainly symbolic.

FoA comments:

Boycott away — especially Idaho beef. But without having chosen a symbol for the boycott, the boycott would have gotten little attention.

On September 1, 2009, Del wrote:

To effectively boycott potatoes you must include processed potatoes. Ask your favorite drive in if they serve Idaho french fries and, if they do to please stop until such a time that Idaho no longer kills wolves.

On September 2, 2009, Quinn wrote:

Idahoans kill animals for the mere sport of it. Idahoans get together over a few beers (very high alchoholism there ) and think up what they believe are legitimate reasons to kill animals - for the mere sport of it.

Now if you want to effectively boycott Idaho you must add these companies/products and to your list …

Office Max - Boise based office supply stores
Micron technology - Boise based semiconductor ( DRAM ) manufacturer

OreIda foods - Boise based food manufacturer “Tater Tots” and other processed potato products

Albertsons - Boise base supermarket chain

the Wolves roamed Lolo pass tens of thousands of years before Idaho populated with pond scum …

On September 3, 2009, Randy wrote:

[Blog editors’ note: Sexism aside, here’s today’s bravado from a borderline personality who should have stayed in school for starters.]

Hows that Boycot thing coming?
Working for ya?

Couldn,t help notice that the DEATH TOLL is 3 now.
Man are we Slaughtering them.

You must make the State of Connecticut proud being the poster child of Idaho,s whipping post.

Dont you have anything else constructive to do?
Are you even MARRIED? Have KIDs?

Guess thats why they made you Prez.

Well gotta go, Weekends coming up. You know us Red Necks, Gotta sight in the 30-06 and fill up the cooler and practics on a few wolve,s for Elk season.

Gotta sight it in for 300 yards or better with a Speers 180 grain.

Anyway, Happy hunting.

On September 3, 2009, Deana wrote:

I find it very unnerving that our the Federal District Court’s time is being taken up by this “Friend of Animals” group from the East who act like these wolves are just pups who need a child and a ball to play fetch.
I wonder, have you ever seen a wolf in the wild? I doubt it. If you had you would be scared to death! ….

[Blog editors’ note: This is easy. Yes, I’ve
seen quite a few wolves in Alaska. Jogged down the road with one in Denali National Park. Wolf-haters like you with guns who get an adrenaline rush over shooting a wolf are pretty dangerous. Perverted, too. ]

On September 3, 2009, Idahoan With Sense wrote:

I’m an Idahoan who is sickened by the blood lust of this state! I hope enough people boycott Idaho potatoes to put a big dent in Idahos pocketbook and force an end to this tragedy! I know I certainly will boycott Idaho potatoes until the wolf slaughter stops.

On September 3, 2009, Deana wrote:

You love your meat, but let’s not think that the poor, poor animal was slaughtered in order for you to enjoy your meal….

[Blog editors’ note: FoA’s a vegan advocacy group, Deana, so while we may love potatoes grown outside Idaho, we’re not breeding sheep into existence so that they’re delivered to a salughterhouse. You can order a copy of the cookbook most recently published by FoA’s president, The Best of Vegan Cooking. It may help your ideas evolve. ]

On September 6, 2009, Dustin Rhodes, Friends of Animals wrote:

Humans are not the Masters of the Universe, though I know we like to think we are. But that’s called delusion.

All of the aggressive males who post here who somehow think you are clever and/or making some sort of coherent point: your comments merely affirm the need for a vegan perspective in society. Your comments —- indeed, your loathsome attitude towards all that live and breathe —- point to a state of emergency.

On September 6, 2009, Yaron Hoory wrote:

I live in Israel far away from the United States. Yet I have strong feelings concerning the hunting of wolves. Personally I think that the national symbol of the United States should be the grey wolf not the bald eagle. You are very lucky to have this awesome beast still roaming in your countries beautiful national reserves and parks. It would be sad if your children could see this wolf only in the natural history museum alongside the dinosaurs. Efforts must be made to assist farmers who loose livestock to wolves; not by destroying the wolf but by protecting the farmers or compensating them for livestock lost to wolves. Please protect this great symbol of American wilderness and assist those who have suffered from their return to nature. Do not allow them to be hunted they are a great legacy of nature who existed in these beautiful lands before the European settlers came or even the native indians. Respect them protect them they are the jewel of the north American continent. Protect them not only for Americas sake but for the sake of the world. If we lose this great beast mankind will have lost one of the worlds most remarkable predators.

On September 7, 2009, lynn laff wrote:

Please get (others) Defender , the Humane Soc., etc. involved in this boycott. The bigger the word gets out the better.

What a great idea,if we could notify all animal and wolf
groups to notify their members this would be great.

I only just found your web site by accident, looking for groups to send the photos of the hunt to.

Some groups were not even aware this was going on in Idaho.

I HAVE JOINED YOUR BOYCOTT - And believe me I buy alot of
Idaho potatoes, that is our main source here where we live.

PLEAS GET OTHER GROUPS TO JOIN THIS EFFORT. Thank you.

[Blog editors’ note: We’re counting on those sympathetic to wolves to press other environmental and animal advoacy groups to support the boycott of potatoes grown in Idaho. That’s support you help extend to everyone hard at work. Many thanks.]</strong

On September 9, 2009, Kathy wrote:

Hunters need to wake up and be AWARE of how they are living. There is something that’s keeping them asleep. Their egos perhaps? Do something proactive with your lives, stop seeing things through a tunnel. Live a constructive life, lead by example, a GOOD example instead of DESTRUCTIVE. Harming nature only harms yourselves!Realize it or your children will.

On September 9, 2009, jade beckman wrote:

yes the word is surley is getting out even here in australia and everyone is digusted in you redneck wolf killers, why do humans think they can control mother nature for look at the damage we have already caused from trying to control her, humans are the biggest killer,s in the animal kingdom so should we kill man kind ? not only does he kill but he destroys the planet he lives in what a smart man he is, we will not sit down on this one wolf killers this is a world wide issue now with so many organizations getting involved and people all over the world you will now lose alot more money than what the wolves have cost you and yes its not farmers fault but its also not wolves fault that he eats to survive, let mother nature take her course stop trying to control her it will back fire on you all!!

On September 10, 2009, Eric Abbott wrote:

I too will never purshase potatoes from Idaho again. Hunting wolves is no better than trophy killin. There free dogs!!! No better than vick!

On September 10, 2009, betty wrote:

no more idaho potatoes for me, PROTECT THE WOLVES!

On September 10, 2009, Sarah Johns wrote:

I am boycotting ANYTHING grown or made in the States of Montana and Idaho (other than Native-made things, because Natives KNOW respect for other creatures).

On September 11, 2009, marissa wrote:

Well, I don’t live in the states, but in Europe… I’m overwhelmed with grief for these beautiful and charismatic animals.

I will definitely spread the word that’s a promise!

On September 11, 2009, antony wrote:

The sad part of this, is the fact that a multitude of those people so eager to go and kill these wolves, are themselves the ‘so called proud owners’ of a dog. Little if any awareness do they have, that the very same wolves they want to go out and kill, are actually the real ancestors of their dogs ! Pity to those that are basically born brainless…

Hopefully someone will see the ‘light’ and put a stop to these senseless killings ! Besides, is shooting ‘ELK’ for either profit or so called sport more justified ? Is there not enough food rotting away in our fridges, or wasting away in the Supermarkets ?

On September 11, 2009, Marianne Beasley wrote:

This is a response to the person who said that a boycott of potatoes hurts the farmers, not the hunters. TRUE. But the farmers are up there…. in Idaho. They are friends and neighbors, the hunters/farmers. If the farmer feels the hurt from the potato boycott then he/she might pay attention to the message we send and get in the face of the hunter, sayng, “Enough! Your killing the wolf is hurting us too.” That’s how boycotts are effective.

On September 11, 2009, Sarah Panullo wrote:

Does Gov. Otter think he is deciding the fate of Americas wolves?!?! I am sick of people like him playing like he’s some sort of god or something. Don’t the wolves have to stand trial before they are found guilty and sentences to death?!?! Nice world we live in!! People rule all. The world suffers for it.

On September 16, 2009, Jane Sage wrote:

We have long heard the ranchers talk about how much it costs them monetarily to have wolves nearby, the vicious, vile, hated wolf, always placing $$$$ above every living animal species except the domesticated ones they raise for slaughter.

Everyone knows how near to extinction the wolves are, how precarious is their continued existence on this planet, but we’re told to ignore that & concentrate on all the “harm” wolves do to the non-indigenous ranchers? Concentrate on the “economics” of allowing wolves to live? Just look at how many game animals hunters take each year, yet concentrate on the far fewer animals wolves may bring down doing exactly what they were created to do in order to eat & survive? Ludicrous! Wrong! Humans want everything to get out of their way & make more room for humans. Seems “population control” is a topic only for creatures that were here before humans were!
How very egocentric is that?

On September 16, 2009, Jane Sage wrote:

Perhaps Deana could search for statistics on how many humans wolves have killed in the lower 48, Alaska, or Canada. There’s never been a documented case of a healthy, wild wolf killing a human in North America.
Threatened, cornered, injured, attacked, any living organism might defend itself, or do anything to escape,to LIVE. Even humans!

Why would people be afraid of wild animals like they are? Don’t they realize these animals are probably far more afraid of them? And with good reason!

We’ve seen many wolves in the wild, & they are magnificent to behold, incredibly majestic. And, yes, I would still say that if I had been “attacked” by one! The chances of a wolf attacking a human are slim & none unless it’s a situation of survival & defense. Same reactions a human would have!

On October 6, 2009, Martin Walls wrote:

I will not go to Idaho or eat idaho potato

On October 16, 2009, julea wrote:

three sides to every story the truth.a lie.and whats between…there’s other ways then killing, relocation.fences, management, tranquilizer guns, what the hell??! killing is a sport?? trophy season for stupid people. what exactly do u get out of a dead wolf??clothes??food??put it on a wall.stuff it?? i mean really nature is intended to hunt each other.thats’ the purpose of life the vicious cycle of life sometimes. until man steps in and screws the balance all up!

On December 1, 2009, jim wrote:

We have always had wolves in Idaho and they did just fine. It was the introduction of the Grey wolves from Canada that caused the current problem. I notice that when someone suggests putting some wolves back in Connecticut there is no response. If we need them in Idaho, why not in the eastern states too. You have lots of deer (and dogs and cats) for them to eat.

FoA comments:

What current problem? The wolves aren’t eating the cats and dogs in Idaho. The so-called conflict is with the cattle and sheep ranchers, and hunters. Here’s the solution: stop raising farm animals and stop killing Idaho’s wildlife.

On December 13, 2009, Jennifer wrote:

I live in Idaho and was happy to see wolved reintroduced here they are magnificent animals, but the are also top predators the kill for sport and education of their young. Not just to eat. Many carcass are left mostly intact. I noticed your spay and neuter message at the top of the page. Hunting wolves (with a limit on kills ) is like a spay/neuter program. They are after all, dogs. If anyone believes that wolves are not vicous preditors that don’t need to be controled with out manangement, go to saveelk.com and I dare you to view every single picture on the site. Even if you take a grain of salt with the site, you cannot turn a blind eye to what true preditors do.

On April 21, 2010, joanie rodriguez wrote:

Shouldn’t we be boycotting meat? it’s not the farmers who want our wildlife dead it’s the ranchers who want wolves, buffalo and horses dead for their dirty meat businesses. i say boycott meat!!

On April 23, 2010, Rick wrote:

I think that taking aim at the farmers and their families source of income is more devastating than the cause you stand for. I have friends in Idaho that are potato farmers and they are against the killing of wolves. You are wanting to punish families with the same belief’s as your own, because of where they live and what they do to take care of themselves and their family’s. If you depended on a potato crop to take care of your family and you lived in Idaho. I wonder. Would you put yourself, your own family, your homes, and your own lively hood in jeopardy. Would you risk your life savings for your cause. I really do not have to wonder what your answer is. but I do know human nature.

FoA comments:

If we lived in Idaho, we would be daily protesting to the government against the killing of wolves, holding meetings and getting the wolf-killing policy changed or the bums who created it voted out. In this world it’s not enough to just say you don’t like something, you have to work for change. Boycotts are effective methods of bringing about change.

On October 6, 2010, scott wrote:

wovles kill, they kill everything, not the sick, or the weak they just kill. You think a pregnant elk is weaker of the species? Well ill tell you when that wolf chases that herd down she is deffiently going to be the slowest of the species. The wolves should have never been reintroduced to the area. It has causes nothing but choas and you bunch of whinny losers who have probably never seen a wolf in the wild start bitching when they open a season on them. I say kill them all and give a boost to the econmy and help the farmers.

On March 2, 2011, Wizard Of Hamilton wrote:

Hey!!….I’m a wolf too!
Ya’ wanna kill me????

Go Ahead…Make My Day!!!

DOUBLE-DARE YOU, YA’ SCALAWAGS!!!!

Now, I get very sarcastic at times, but LOOK!!! Wolves have been here on this Earth long before humans even existed and they play an important part in Native American culture and their spirituality and just like our American Indian counterparts.

I revere wolves as very sacred creatures. The Great Spirit put wolves on this Earth for a purpose to bring balance to our ecosystem, and I’m gonna do what it takes to see that these sacred creatures are protected at all costs, even it costs me my life!!

If the animal kingdom vanishes from our Mother Earth,
SO WILL THE HUMAN RACE!!! And the consequences will come directly from the hand of Almighty!!! And I’m not gonna conform to a load of bull$#!+ from all the freaky Far Right either!!!

IMPEACH GOVERNOR OTTER!!!!!

On June 8, 2011, Sherrill Atherton wrote:

Reason 1: Without wolves and other large predators, ecosystems can go haywire. A 2001 study (PDF) found that when wolves went extinct in Yellowstone, for example, the moose population ballooned to five times its normal size and demolished woody vegetation where birds nested. As a result, several bird species were eliminated in the park.

Reason 2: Scavengers thrive when wolves are around. The species that help themselves to wolves’ leftovers include (PDF) ravens, magpies, wolverines, bald eagles, golden eagles, three weasel species, mink, lynx, cougar, grizzly bear, chickadees, masked shrew, great gray owl, and more than 445 species of beetle.

Reason 3: Wolf kills are also good for the soil. A 2009 study in Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park found that wolf-killed elk carcasses dramatically enhanced levels of nitrogen and other nutrients.

Reason 4: Wolf kills feed more animals than hunting by humans, since wolves scatter their carrion over the landscape. Wolf kills benefit (PDF) three times more species than human hunting kills. The carcass above was a bull elk killed by a pack of eight wolves in Agate Creek, Yellowstone. The skeleton was picked clean by wolves and scavengers in less than five days.

Reason 5: When wolves disappeared from Yellowstone, coyotes preyed on pronghorn almost to the point of no return. But since wolves have returned, the pronghorn have come back. In fact, pronghorns tend to give birth near wolf dens, since coyotes steer clear of those areas.

Reason 6: Deer and elk congregate in smaller groups (PDF) when wolves are around. This helps reduce the transmission of illnesses like Chronic Wasting Disease.

Reason 7: Chronic Wasting Disease is a major threat to elk and deer in the West. Wolves can help by reducing sick animals’ lifespans, in turn limiting the amount of time they can spread infections.

Reason 8: Yellowstone elk are less likely to overgraze near rivers and streams—damaging fragile ecosystems—when wolves are in the neighborhood.

Reason 9: Wolves help protect against climate change. A 2005 UC Berkeley study in Yellowstone concluded that milder winters, a product of climate change, have led to fewer elk deaths. This left scavengers like coyotes and ravens scrambling for food, but the problem was far less pervasive in areas where wolves were around to hunt elk.

Reason 10: Wolf tourism is an economic boon (PDF). Restoration of wolves in Yellowstone has cost about $30 million, but it’s brought in $35.5 million annual net benefit to the area surrounding the park.

On August 12, 2011, Lisa wrote:

Sherrill, do I have permission to use your comment as an e-mail to send to the governors?

On September 2, 2011, Peter Collins wrote:

The sort of human being who takes pleasure in killing animals is fundamentally flawed,lacking in compassion for living creatures.Studies have clearly shown that people like that are far more likely to be a menace to other people.
Unfortunately, the Governor is far too ignorant to appreciate this and thinks he must live up to his puerile nickname-or is “Butch” short for “Butcher”?