Do people in Alaska really shoot wolves from planes?
Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska and John McCain’s vice presidential running mate, is an enthusiastic hunter who has proposed legislation and cash incentives to encourage aerial wolf gunning, the controversial practice of shooting wolves from an aircraft.
There are numerous videos on the internet detailing the aerial hunt – let’s just say that is beyond disturbing and completely inhumane. One video shows a pack of wolves scared into a cave as the hunters hover above in a helicopter. Upon emerging from the cave, the adult wolves are shot and killed leaving the young pups in the den.
There is federal legislation banning this practice but it appears Palin has found a loop hole. Palin is hoping to boost the number of wolves killed this year by announcing that the state would pay $150 for each kill.