Trap Free Montana Public Lands (TFMPL) is a small "nonprofit take-action organization working for trapping reform” in Montana.
In my beautiful state, less than 1% of people trap, but they hold sway over our legislature where trapping bills are introduced by legislators who are trappers and somehow almost all of the trapping bills pass. Current bills include unlimited take of wolves under one license, use of bait, hunting on private lands at night using artificial light, use of inhumane neck snares, and even bounty hunting. These traps, set on OUR public lands kill many other species -mammals, large birds and even our dogs are slain in what is euphemistically termed 'incidental take’.
Unfortunately, our legislature is ignoring science, Montana’s biologists, wildlife managers, public opinion, and very importantly- input from native populations when they pass these cruel bills.
This is where TFMPL comes in. By honoring the public trust doctrine and trying to achieve bipartisan support, they are tirelessly working to protect our public wildlife on our public lands.
Trap Free Montana Public Lands gives many trapping education presentations both in and out-of-state. They are always available to answer questions in a very timely fashion.
When our legislature is in session, TFMPL emails key information on each bill being introduced. At legislative committee meetings, they are often the only wildlife advocates present! At those meetings, this small nonprofit is often thwarted by being given misinformation. TFMPL will pick available slots for speakers (who take time off from work to speak) and then those speakers will not be allowed to present "for lack of time". It is a thankless job which they do uncomplainingly.
Trap Free members have even been physically threatened by trappers, but they keep at it because as their director KC says, “If we don’t speak up for the trapped animals who can’t, then who will?”
This small organization is respected for speaking the truth about trapping, for educating us on responsible stewardship and trapping reform, and for promoting ethics using the best available science.
For the above reasons my family and friends wholeheartedly support their mission.
This organization WORKS for the protection of wildlife. The founder is an expert on trapping laws and regulations in MT and has collaborated successfully with other groups both instate and out of state to advance the groups' mission. So many other non-profit groups talk a good game, but TFMPL actually shows up, in person, online, at committee hearings, at public gatherings and speaks with considerable knowledge and compassion for wildlife. I have always been proud to be a member and remain proud of the work TFMPL does with the state legislature. Currently, Montana seems focused on wildlife only as a commodity to exploit rather than as an asset to be valued and enjoyed by all. TFMPL is working hard to change the prevailing attitudes toward wildlife and encourage proper conservation and co-existence.
This grass roots animal rights nonprofit is the David versus Goliath hero in righteous battle against fur trappers, wildlife managers and legislators in an all out war on wildlife in Montana. This organization informs the public about the inhumane killing taking place on public lands and encourages public comments and participation in combating these activities by speaking for those without voices.
I’ve been forever and always impressed w/this organization. They fight the good fight 24/7. They are always happy to give information, keep members updated, and stay involved in a very hostile environment. They offer educational sessions, one on one tutorials (unhinging traps, trap safety, etc.), and organize and educate volunteer groups.
I’m also always amazed at KC’s ability to continue TFMPL’s work. She has been harassed, threatened, verbally abused, and much more. All for her work to keep traps off public lands.