Take Action Today! Members need to contact their state representative and ask them to vote NO on HB 287. Montana sportsmen can contact their state representative by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center.
Montana Rep. Bridget Smith (D-Wolf Point) has introduced legislation (House Bill 287) that would force trappers to check their line every 24 hours. Under HB 287 violators could face a $1,000 fine or even imprisonment!
HB 287 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Committee in room 172 of the state capitol building Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Montana trappers, ranchers and sportsmen are encouraged to attend – your presence and voice will make a difference.
Montana trappers work fulltime jobs, traverse rough and vast terrain, and often deal with harsh weather conditions to get to their traps. These factors, along with the need to let traps rest for effectiveness, play into the effort by animal-rights groups to mandate a 24-hour check.
“Animal-rights groups know that if they can successfully force 24-hour trap check requirements, the effectiveness of trappers will plummet as animals will sense the continual disturbance and presences of humans,” said Luke Houghton, Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services. “Additionally, they know that because trappers cover such a large area, mandating 24-hour checks will increase the costs of running a trap line while reducing the area they are able to cover. That’s why these requirements have become a favored tactic for these groups to further their ultimate goal of banning all trapping.”
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
