30 years ago this month I strapped on a set of snowshoes, and with the help of a staff videographer, we trudged through the snow carrying about 70 pounds of camera equipment and extra batteries into Yellowstone National Park. We did this to tell the story of wolf reintroduction to the Yellowstone ecosystem in one of the most unique, and some would argue, controversial stories I would ever tell as a television journalist.
In January of 1995, I was the news director and anchor at the NBC affiliate in Bozeman, Montana. When the invitation arrived to join the National Park Service for the placement of the wolves in the holding pens, there was no question about our participation. Though I did question myself a few times on that long walk into the depths of the forest.
The reintroduction pens were set in somewhat secluded locations, as biologists wanted to make sure the wolves were not disturbed during their 8-week acclimation period. They were also guarded until the wolves would be released in March of that year.
We took pictures of the pens and the surrounding area at first and then had the camera rolling non-stop when the team showed up with the crate carrying a sedated female wolf and her pups, who were very much not sedated. I was one of a small group of media people allowed to be in the pen that day and I still consider it one of my greatest memories and privileges as a journalist.
Now, all these years later, emotions and opinions still vary widely on whether bringing wolves back to Yellowstone was a good idea. Despite that, being in the acclimation pen that day, holding and petting the young pups, and taking video made me a witness to history. We spent probably 30-45 minutes petting the wolf pups, interviewing the biologists and others from the National Park Service, and getting footage of the sleeping female wolf, before finally being rushed away as the mother began to wake.
I share this story for a few reasons. First, specifically because it’s a milestone anniversary of the wolves return to the park and by all measures, it’s one of the most consequential environmental and ecological endeavors not just in Yellowstone, but in the United States. Scientists argue all of Yellowstone National Park is healthier because of the wolves’ return. Other voices, in the agriculture and hunting sectors disagree or continue to believe there were other, better alternatives. Both sides have good arguments. Colorado is currently in the early stages of wolf reintroduction efforts in their state, and like previous initiatives, it’s been exceptionally controversial.
The experience also had a profound impact on me as a person and young journalist. I grew up hunting and I am intimately familiar with the devastation the wolves’ cousins, coyotes, can do when their numbers grow too large. We raised cattle and turkeys on our farm and it was common for coyotes to enter the turkey pens and destroy dozens of birds just for sport. The coyotes ate some of what they killed, but ultimately would just wreak havoc. The state Game and Fish Department was on speed dial.
Residents near Yellowstone feared wolves would do the same to local cattle or other livestock, or worse yet, would kill people. The reporting I did caused me to reconsider a lot of views I held towards wolves and learn through education and research that what I thought I knew, wasn’t the whole story. I learned to listen to both sides, to share both sides, and then let everyone on the other end of the television airwaves, make up their own minds.
I’m certain you’ve all heard the saying, “God gave you two ears and one mouth because you should listen twice as much as you talk.” There’s a lot of valuable wisdom in that saying. It’s not always easy to follow, but I promise to keep trying.
I still don’t and never will know everything there is to know about the wolf reintroduction, the pros and cons, but what I do know is that neither side was completely “right” in their predictions. The truth exists, as is the case I believe with many things, somewhere in the middle. No matter what you believe about wolves, history is being made.
Watching history in the making is also on tap for next Monday. President Trump will be reintroduced to the White House to serve as the 47th President of the U.S. It’s a political story for the ages. No matter what personal attacks were sent his way, no matter how many lawsuits were filed, he found a way to move above and beyond it. The man even escaped some very serious attempts to take his life. He’s probably the most hated, and at the same time most loved President in our nations’ history. His inauguration on January 20th will set the stage for four years of even more history. Buckle up and hold on.
I hope you all had a marvelous Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year and that you’re ready for “show season” because the next couple months are going to be busy for our industry. I’m excited though for what 2025 has to offer. When I started at NASGW 10 years ago, we talked a lot about doing “big things” for the industry. We’ve done some big things for sure with our SCOPE data project and we’re about to kick off yet another big adventure. I’m excited to tell you more, so look for me at Shot Show and I’ll give you the early scoop. I look forward to seeing many of you in Las Vegas.
Have a great 2025!
Until next time,
Kenyon Gleason
NASGW President