New Mexico state Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-Truth or Consequences, a Republican gubernatorial hopeful took a stance against the wolves, arguing that if people believe in survival of the fittest, then wolves have no place on the range in New Mexico where they were previously eradicated. She said there was a reason the wolves were removed from the range.
Daugherty’s concerns go beyond just his ranching operation. His two sources of income are ranching and hunting, both of which he said could be impacted by the wolves.
Dow argued that while wolves can be used to control elk populations, they are not the only method. She said more hunting tags could be issued and then the elk meat would go toward people who are trying to put meat on their tables.
Wolves have not reached population levels that would lead to large declines in elk populations, but, Daugherty said, if elk become less available for wolves to prey on, it will put additional pressure on cattle ranchers.
“It’s going to be an absolute disaster down the road,” he said.
