, 1902-02-21
BOUNTY ON WOLVES.

In discussing the question of bounty
Oh wolves the Cheyenne Tribune says:
TT is a de%plorable fact that
stock in Wyoming is suffering
in several years past. In all sec
lions of the state, including Lara
ME county, these dreaded animals
have been the cause of great loss
TO the cattlemen A band of two
Or more will single out their vic
tim from the herd and commence
Il fierce attack upon the animals
legs, biting and tearing the cords
SO that it is soo forced to lie
down. when the job is easily com
pleted.
while there is a state bounty
OF SO upon wolves it has not seem
ed sufficient to reduce materially
the number. The stealthy hab-
its of the animals make
it extremely difficult for the
hunter to get a shot at him.
When it is considered the death
$40 to $50 it would almost seem
that the bounty might be increas-
ed or each bounty offer an addi-
tional bounty, a condition provided
for in the law"
That the bounty is INSULT cient all
will admit. A mar could starve to
death killing wolves at three dollars
per head. Even in those sections where
a bounty of $50 has been offered the
mortality among the wary depredators
has not been great. Probably a large
bounty, statewide in its operation, is
the only remedy.
The bounty should fall upon the in
dustry benefited, and it is well able to
bear it. In the entire west stockmen
have been phenomenally prosperous,
even where wolves have been most
r%avenous. and they have received moth
ing but fair treatment at the hands OF
the taxing powers. On an average per
head stock has been assessed at just
about half value. and high authority
Governor w. A. Richards message to
the legislature) states That not more
than 40 per cent is returned for as
sessment. Thus it will be seen that
not to exceed 20 per cent of the actual
valuation Of stock is assessed. In the
face of this showing it Is very unjust
to the other propertyowners Of the
state to ask them to bear the private
burdens of the stockmen.
In round numbers. provided all the
taxes are collected, the stockmen OF
the state at the end of 1902 will have
paid upon their flocks and herds $685.
900 for two years. their valuation be
ing sl4.129.752 and the levy for the
general fund .OO35 mills. The wolf
bounty appropriation of $40,0 900 is a lit
tie more than 40 per cent Of the amount
paid by the f1ocks and herds for the
general fund. Deducting this 40 per
cent from the 20 per cent levy, we have
left a ~ per cent valuation upon live
stock. The Republican does not be-
lieve this is the rule among small
owners with from fifty to two hundred
head, but surely it is true OF those
large that have their cattle
on many hills, and the best estimates
to be obtained from careful, conserva-
tive men corroborates the statement
made by the ex-governor in every par
ticular.
1t is to the credit OF the stockmen
of Albany county that they have never
insisted upon their neighbors bearing
their burdens, but have stood ever
ready to support a legislative act plac-
ing a special levy for bounty purposes
upon the stock Of the state. Our dele
cation favored such legislation by the
last legislature but there was a minor
ity with them.
What Wyoming needs more than all
other things at the present time IL
revenue law that will act equally
upon ala law that will aus -
property to pay in accordance with its
value. We want no class legislation
nor special privileges.