In Montana, our universities educate wildlife biologists who often go on to work in departments of fish and game wildlife management. Scientists are important in the development of ecological and biological management in our region. The old days of killing off all predators for elk, deer and moose are gone, as the lack of predators proved to be actually a negative impact on game animals.

In Alaska, where "science" now seems to be a dirty word, Governor Palin took over the scene with a change in staff for wildlife management. If you have a Masters or PhD in wildlife biology, don't look to Alaska for a job.

Here is what she did - she appointed a new board of game that had not one qualified wildlife scientist on it. The members are now appointees including her middle school basketball coach Lewis Bradley. His qualifications? In his resume he notes that hunting, fishing and carving antlers are special interests of his. He also points out that he is working on a sheep hunting guide book, though the writing progress has stalled since he started remodeling his house.

Pay scale for Board of Game members, $31/hr. They meet 20-25 times a year and get travel and per diem.

The Alaska Board of Game makes most wildlife decisions in Alaska. The board is comprised entirely of trophy hunters no wildlife biologist or scientist is a member.

This year the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game will exterminate 1,400 bears out of a population of 2,000 in an area west of Anchorage. The Alaskan Board of Game even approved the hunting of black bear mothers and cubs with the goal of killing 60 percent of the black bear population.

Although biologists have known since the 60's that predators actually keep prey populations healthy, Alaskan wolves and bears are being exterminated to boost dwindling moose populations.

(Gotta love that moose meat.)