Wolf Hunt Counterargument

My research paper argues that wolf hunting in the United States should be illegal, specifically in the area surrounding Yellowstone National Park.  The counterargument to my paper topic would be arguing that wolf hunting around Yellowstone National Park should be legalized.  Reasons supporting this argument could be that the hunting of wolves would protect farms in the area and the hunting of wolves is actually good for wolf conservation.  Many recorded interviews with local cattle farmers show that wolf packs will occasionally kill a number of heifers, causing the farms to lose money.  For example, in 2005 in Idaho alone, wolves killed 244 sheep.  If the number of wolves is uncontrolled, more and more of the farm animals will be hunted, putting more pressure on the farmers and their families.  The other reason wolf hunting may not be entirely harmful is the opinion that wolf conservation may actual benefit from a controlled wolf population.  While some conservationists fear the endangerment of the grey wolf with the hunt being legalized, others have spoken out saying there may actually be an upside to the wolf season.  These activists claim that because of the demand for a wolf hunt, the creatures could inevitably be put in danger if these demands are not met.  The longer wolves are not hunted, the more hunters will demand more drastic measures.  This could eventually lead to trapping, poisoning, and aerial shooting.  It may also be a good thing if wolves become more wary of humans through the help of the hunt.  Wolves are naturally elusive creatures, and many researchers believe we should not be doing anything to change that.  With hunting, individual wolves may be killed, but it is the entire population that should be of the most concern.  Habitat loss and climate change will dramatically affect the wolf population and it is these things we should be worrying about, not the individual wolf, but all wolves.