No setbacks? No sense

by Peg Brownlee, Florence

Once again, the Fish and Wildlife Committee has kowtowed to the small minority of trappers in Montana and is allowing for no setbacks of traps on closed roads in Ravalli County during furbearer season, basically all winter. They have continued to ignore public objections, comments and safety. They have also ignored respectful dialogue regarding some compromises such as signage to alert the public that trapping is occurring in a particular area.

No, for some reason they keep acquiescing to the demands and threats of trappers, who consider it their right to indiscriminately cause death and immense suffering to any animal that is caught, regardless of whether it was an “intended” species or not. The Fish and Wildlife Commission has ignored pleas to require trap checks every 24 hours, so as to decrease the time an animal has to suffer. Although ID tags are “required” on traps, it is not enforced. Pet owners can still be prosecuted for tampering with traps in the horrific case of releasing of their pet that is caught in one.

Enough is enough. It is way past time for the taxpaying public to demand transparency of FWP. We want to know what the heck is going on.  

While you are out recreating this winter with your children and pets, be aware and on the lookout for traps. And get angry. Please send your opinions to FWComm@mt.gov now.