Protect integrity of animal rights

Our Senator Bob Brown and our Congressman Paul Fielder, supported by Governor Gianforte, have passed laws paving the way for the newly formed Foundation for Wildlife Management group to inhumanely hunt and kill wolves on any private land they control or on all public lands that we should be able to safely use. The FWM group is NOT affiliated, nor do they have the blessing of, our Montana State Fish and Wildlife biologists.

The non-profit group Foundation for Wildlife Management raises money so they can pay $1,500 per head for a wolf. The bag limit per season is 20 wolves per person. They can use neck snares, night vision goggles, helicopters, anything to get the job done. They are claiming that wolves are decimating the deer and elk populations here. The rules of the hunt that have long protected the integrity of animal rights in Montana no longer apply. This has nothing to do with ranchers fearing for their livestock who have a legitimate reason to kill a wolf. This is purely for hunters. When they had a meeting at the Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls last Fall the public press was not allowed entry.

On the private property of a landowner, baited wolf traps can be placed anywhere, no matter how close to a neighboring home with pets. Due to the supply chain issues there are few fence posts available for purchase. A treated post is at a minimum $13.99 today, if you can find one. There are no available fencing contractors to hire. Although the laws state a wolf trapper is supposed to notify FWP of any trapped dogs, there is no way to check accountability.

Horse people need to be very aware where they ride with their dogs. Our forests are no longer safe for pets.

The MT FW&P is proposing a late season hunt for elk to reduce the increasing populations of our herds. There is NO decimation of the elk and deer by wolves.

Montana has had a Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department for many decades. One of their primary responsibilities is to protect and sustain Our public lands and wildlife. Why are we allowing politicians and hunter’s private agendas dictate new laws for our lands and wildlife?

Sincerely,

Kris Anderson, Thompson Falls