Attached is a form to contribute to defeat Initiative-177 that would outlaw all trapping on public land in Montana. Even if you are not a trapper this has broad implications for all outdoor users. It is the first step in killing hunting. Wayne Pacelle of HSUS has said he will use the ballot box to ban hunting and trapping State by State. Don't let him follow through on his promise.
Vote NO on I-177 - It’s Bad for Wildlife, Bad for Ranchers, and Bad for Montana
Montana’s rich constitutionally protected heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping, is also the most effective means for controlling dangerous predators, preventing the spread of disease and protecting wildlife and livestock from an exploding wolf population. Animal rights activists want to take these decisions away from Montana’s wildlife experts. Vote NO on I-177!
Here’s why I-177 is bad for Montana:
* I-177 is bad for wildlife, costly for cattle and sheep ranchers, bad for taxpayers, and even dangerous for pets and people too!
* I-177 would ban one of the most effective methods for controlling wolves, coyotes, and other predators to protect Montana’s elk, moose and deer populations, as well as livestock.
* Roughly 40% of all wolves harvested in Montana were taken by trapping with nearly half taken on public lands. Without trapping on public lands, wolf numbers will skyrocket causing damage to other wildlife, livestock, and even posing a safety risk to pets and people.
* I-177 would pose a significant public health and disease risk such as rabies, plague and attacks on pets and people, especially young children.
* I-177 is being pushed by the animal rights and anti-hunting lobby whose real agenda is to ban all trapping and all hunting. Montana’s expert wildlife biologists need regulated trapping to continue to protect wildlife, livestock, pets and people.
* That is why I-177 is opposed by Montana’s major sportsmen’s organizations, cattle and sheep ranchers, wildlife management professionals, and more.
* I-177 will cost at least $422,000 in taxpayer money every year for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to do the same things that trappers currently buy a license to do.
* I-177 would not allow any trapping until after damage or even a tragedy has occurred, and even then, not until non-lethal methods have been tried and documented to be unsuccessful. Meanwhile, dangerous predator populations will continue to grow unchecked.
* Regulated trapping under existing laws is an essential tool for Montana’s wildlife experts, and dates back to the time of Lewis and Clark. It is a cherished family tradition like hunting, fishing, and camping. Let’s keep it that way.
* Vote No on I-177 so Animal Rights activists can’t restrict our use of public lands for any reason! Montana’s public lands belong to everyone, are big enough for everyone to enjoy.
Vote NO on I-177 – It’s Bad for Wildlife, Bad for Ranchers, and Bad for Montana.
