Merlin Community Scholar Fellow Makes 4 Montana Papers with His Article on Elk Shoulder Seasons

Congratulations to 2019 Merlin Community Scholar Fellow, Thomas Baumeister, for making the paper once again with his research and writing on the practical and moral challenges associated with elk shoulder seasons.  His article was picked up by four papers across Montana: Helena Independent Record,  Bozeman Daily Chronicle, the Missoulian, and Butte Standard.

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Merlin Community Scholar Fellow in the Paper with His Article on Wolf Conservation

Congratulations to 2019 Merlin Community Scholar Fellow, Thomas Baumeister, for making the paper with his research and writing project on the democracy of wolf conservation. Prompted by bills currently being proposed in Montana that will decide the fate of wolves for years to come and the democratic process of conservation, Thomas asks us to consider the role of adaptive management and pragmatism (over blind ideology) and engaged citizenry(so that the ends do not justify the means) in wolf conservation. The article went live on the Merlin website on Friday, February 8th, was submitted for consideration as an op-ed to the Helena Independent Record on the same day, and appeared as a featured “guest view” article on-line and in print on Wednesday, February 13th.  

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Merlin Community Scholar Fellow Makes the Paper with His Elk Project

Congratulations to 2019 Merlin Community Scholar Fellow, Thomas Baumeister, for making the paper with his research and writing project on elk.  Prompted by a concern for the state of hunting and conservation and ethical questions regarding the measure of the hunt, fairness, and respect, Thomas offers valuable & important food for thought — for hunters and non-hunters alike.  The article is a perfect example of how philosophy reaches beyond the classroom and why asking philosophical questions matter to our everyday lives (and the lives of others), practices, and policies. The piece went live on the Merlin website on Sunday. January 13th, was submitted for consideration as an op-ed to the Helena Independent Record on Monday, Jan. 14th, and appeared as a featured “guest view” article on-line and in print on Thursday, Jan. 17th.

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Wildlife Management & Policy: Disease and De-listing

In these two articles, wildlife management and policy regarding disease control and the endangered species act are explored.  While measures aimed at controlling the spread of disease are not as controversial, the de-listing of once endangered species remains a highly debated topic. Article 1 In this article, chronic wasting disease…

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November 2017 Philosophy Walk (Wildlife Management & Policy)

Part 3 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on environmental ethics, conservation, preservation, hunting and hunting ethics, governance/policy and community took place on Sunday, November 12th on Merlin Nature Preserve. The weather was phenomenal — crisp air, shining sun, slight breeze, and crunchy snow! After making our way up…

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The Ethics of Hunting: Some Philosophical Questions to Consider

In these two articles, some philosophical questions about the morality of hunting are explored. Article 1 In the first article, “Is Hunting Moral?  A Philosopher Unpacks the Question,” Philosophy Ph.D. candidate, Joshua Duclos, discusses: Some of the rationales for why people hunt — conservation, subsistence, and trophy/sport hunting What bothers…

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The History of Hunting and Conservation: Ethical Dilemmas & Concerns

The relationship between hunting and conservation has a long, complex history and poses numerous ethical dilemmas. On one side of the argument is the claim that hunting fees help fund conservation; on the other side is the claim that these benefits are exaggerated and that killing game animals is wrong. In between…

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