Club News & Media Coverage

Allowing Mount St. Helens elk to die of starvation seems unthinkable, yet a bill making its way through the state Legislature would make it a crime to feed them.
        House Bill 1885 is considered a form of management, to keep the herd size down so it can survive on available forage in the Toutle River Valley. Increasing elk hunting tags is another herd education "tool." Mark Smith, owner of Eco Park Resort near Mount St. Helens, has fed the herd of up to 80 animals 30 to 40 tons of hay during winter months.
        Smith told The Olympian newspaper that feeding is not the solution for an overpopulation of elk in the area. "But I'm not in favor of using starvation as a management tool," he added. Smith, his family and other volunteers have fed the elk the past three winters.
        Passage of the misguided HB 1885 would stop this aid. The bill "Makes it unlawful to intentionally feed … wildlife" identified as bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes, deer, elk, turkeys, raccoons, opossums and skunks.
        Smith and his helpers merit high praise for feeding the elk. Smith notes man-made changes destroyed habitat along the north fork of the Toutle River Valley. He said hungry elk are also easy targets for poachers along a highway that runs through their range.
        Allowing elk to starve is irresponsible management. Smith wants to see an elk research center and a winter feeding program along state Highway 504 for the next 5-10 years, until herd and habitat is brought into balance.
        It makes sense, and ought to receive immediate attention from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Starvation is cruel and inhuman. Majestic Mount St. Helens elk deserve better treatment.

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