Initiative 169 Itself Is A Trap

Dear Editor:

Initiative 169, which animal rights activists have proposed to ban trapping on public lands in Montana, is a mistake that Montanans can prevent from happening.

Right now, activists who don’t understand Montana’s hunting, fishing and trapping heritage are circulating petitions, using deception and misinformation to get people to support a trapping ban on all public lands.

These activists are telling people that trapping decimates animal populations, ignoring the fact it’s a complete lie and that wildlife biologists across the country recognize trapping as a critical tool to keep healthy animal populations.

They are telling people that this initiative won’t impact other outdoor uses on public land – even though the state attorney general told these activists that such a statement could NOT be included on the petition.

The issue is too important to be decided based on lies and misinformation. I urge Montanans to visit the state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ website, as well as the website of The Wildlife Society to learn the truth about trapping and why this initiative is a horrible mistake for our state.

Harold Johnson

Plentywood