Nebraskan Tom Mangelsen, fierce critic of Wyoming grizzly hunt, scores hunting license
Associated Press
Updated 13 min ago
JACKSON, Wyo — A well-known nature photographer from Nebraska and fierce critic of grizzly bear hunting has drawn a tag for Wyoming's first such hunt in 44 years.
The Jackson Hole News & Guide reported Thursday that Tom Mangelsen drew No. 8 on an issuance list that will allow up to 10 grizzly hunters into the field starting Sept. 15. He was up against 3,500 Wyoming residents and 2,327 nonresidents vying for a shot at the tags.
Mangelsen, who credited being chosen to "dumb luck," was among scores of people from around the country who applied for the tags as a means of civil disobedience intended to slow the hunt. Wildlife managers say the tactic is legal.
The hunt for which Mangelsen's tag is valid will end after the first female bear is killed. Up to 10 male grizzlies can be killed.
Mangelsen grew up in Nebraska and has a gallery in Omaha's Old Market.
He intends to spend his allotted time "hunting with a camera," Mangelsen said in a Facebook post. "With only one person allowed in the field at one time, hopefully the ten days I take up will save the lives of some of these amazing animals