LETTER: Vote no on I-177

Of the initiatives to be included on Montana’s ballot in November, it is I-177 that most concerns me. Instead of seeking to expand out freedom as Montanans, it seeks to diminish it.

I-177 seeks to prohibit trapping on public land. Some who support this initiative may argue that trapping is cruel. Some may be concerned about the environmental impact. Others may be hunters who believe a prohibition on trapping won’t affect you. Trapping in Montana is regulated by Fish, Wildlife and Parks and requires a license to participate. FWP approves two types of traps, both of which are designed to ensure the humane killing of the animal. FWP reviews population data to ensure no species is being over-trapped and any restriction is strictly enforced.

According to FWP, “the Wildlife Society promotes the position that regulated trapping is biologically sustainable, safe, effective, and ecologically sound.” FWP claims multiple benefits of regulated trapping including population control and the reduction of conflicts in the protection of endangered species (such as when beaver dams jeopardize bull-trout spawning). Many furbearers can only be obtained using traps.

If you are a hunter who thinks a ban on trapping won’t affect you, it may if you ever decide to try and obtain an animal that cannot be ethically hunted, as it is only active at night. If you are a regular citizen who has never given trapping a thought, please do not just imagine sad animals and vote yes. Your uninformed decision would cost hundreds of recreational trappers in Montana their freedom.

If you are uneducated on this issue, don’t vote. If you are educated, please consider voting “No” on Initiative 177: “Prohibit the use of traps and snares for animals by the public on public lands within Montana.” —Sydney Chamberlain, Kalispell