Montana 2018 Trapping Proposals

UPDATED with Wildlife Commissioner’s decisions below:

UPDATE: Wildlife Commissioner’s hearing Aug 9. FWP Headquarters - 1420 East 6th Avenue - Helena, MT.  The public meeting begins at 830 with the furbearers final decisions scheduled to start around 1:00 after the lunch break.

Two wildlife advocates, the board presidents of Trap Free Montana Public Lands (TFMPL) and Wolves of the Rockies, attended the Aug 9 hearing and gave verbal comment, again.

During the August 9, 2018 Wildlife Commissioner’s furbearer decision meeting, TFMPL board president, KC York, advocated for the need for opportunities for all stakeholder participation.  York raised the issue of wildlife advocates are set up to be more informed and reactive than provided the means to be proactive and involved in the actual furbearer trapping proposals to begin with.  Chairman Vermillion agreed that ALL interested parties should be given advance notice and the opportunity to participate in the annual furbearer discussion and propositions with FWP.

275 comments were reportedly submitted to FWP for the Montana 2018/2019 furbearer proposals by the July 15, 2018 deadline. Well done!

About 15 of the comments were from trappers,11 of whom listed as Montana residents.