A proposal to increase opportunities to hunt wolves in the Yukon has incensed a local animal rights activist.

Whitehorse resident Mike Greico suggested the recommendation put forward by the Teslin and Alsek renewable resource councils appeared to be nothing more than permission to kill more wolves, because there are lots out there to kill.

'Why would you do that?' Greico asked of the proposal to increase harvest levels. It was discussed during last week's annual public meeting to address proposed changes to the Wildlife Act.

The Teslin council is asking for an increase in the harvest level for Yukoners from three to seven wolves annually, and from two to four for non-resident hunters.

The Alsek council wants the bag limits removed altogether, in part to bring about less predation on moose calves, Shane Oakley, co-chair of the Alsek council, told the meeting. It was hosted by the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board.

Frank Johnstone, of the Teslin resource council, said the Yukon's wolf population is at an estimated 7,000 far in excess of the 4,500 to 5,000 that were cited in the annual hunting synopsis just a few years ago.

Technically, he said, up to a third of the wolves could be harvested without threatening the stability of the Yukon's population.

Johnstone is also a trapper and is not bound by the bag limit while trapping his line though he is while hunting. He pointed out the annual harvest by hunters and trappers is now between 100 and 120 wolves.

To Greico's objection that humankind has been attempting to eradicate wolves since the beginning of time, Johnstone retorted: 'I don't eradicate; I harvest.'

The Teslin council is also asking that the hunting season for wolves be extended from March 31 to April 30.

'There is a lot of -20, -25 weather now in April,' Johnstone said.

The management board held the meeting to discuss 15 proposed changes to the Wildlife Act.

The board finalized its confidential recommendations to Premier Dennis Fentie last week. Fentie also holds the Department of Environment portfolio.

The minister can either reject, accept or recommend changes to the board's recommendation. He has 60 days to make his initial response from the date he receives the board's letter.