Background
In 2005, a Maryland homeowners association hired a state-licensed trapper to catch and kill coyotes that were killing pets and stalking children in a neighborhood. The trapper did his job and was sued personally for violating the terms of his state trapping license by local animal-rights activists. In a familiar pattern, the activists wanted to set a precedent that they – not the state – could act as private attorneys general to enforce the terms and conditions of state trapping (and hunting) licenses.
Impact to Hunters
Had the plaintiffs prevailed, the door would have been opened for animal-rights groups around the country to file lawsuits against individual law-abiding hunters, fishermen, and trappers in every state.
Verdict
The Sportsmen’s Alliance defended the trapper and in a one-day trial got the case dismissed with a ruling making it clear that only state personnel (not anti-hunting activists) have enforcement authority regarding state hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses.
Help Us Fight for You
Your tax-deductible donation to the Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund directly supports our legal fights in courtrooms nationwide. The Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund was established to represent sportsmen in lawsuits that affect your ability to hunt, fish, trap and own firearms. Its funding ensures the sportsman’s voice is heard above the rhetoric of anti-hunting groups.
Join the fight for your hunting and fishing future by donating to the Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund today!
