LETTER: Another view of trapping

Too many people wrapped up in the anti-trapping vote are missing some important points. Many people are making a significant part of their income from trapping. Will the anti-trappers pay those with lost income? Also, remember those trapping supply dealers and their employees will lose jobs too as well as affecting ATV and snowmobile sales and service which most trappers use.

Many people once they have a comfortable income and life become narrow-minded, and want to dictate how others will life their life. As to the pain and suffering issue, there can be no doubt that hunting causes that too. Even though a hunter intends on making a quick kill with a single bullet or arrow, many animals do not die quickly and require more shots, or escape wounded and die a lingering death. If trapping must be declared bad, then hunting surely too.

As animal lovers we understand that a pet owner is very upset when their pet and best friend gets caught in a trap. However, if the trap is set in a legal manner, then the pet owner is responsible. Many Montanans enjoy such other traditional Western activities such as horseback riding, rodeo, or catch and release fishing. These too result in pain, suffering and death at times. They also provide income for suppliers, guides and outfitters, veterinarians, horseshoers and others who then spend their money in the community where it benefits us all.

A similar point: once the rich owners of a fancy house got their redwood deck, they then preach “save the redwoods.” —Brett Anderson, Hungry Horse