Why a Montana Wolf and Coyote Trapping Lawsuit Was Dismissed

The controversy will understandably never end.

Depending on which side you're on, there will be both applauding and condemnation when such a ruling is handed down. In this case, it appears that the Montana Farm Bureau is one of the parties most satisfied with the results. Room was also left for compromise and modifications if necessary.

The Northern Ag Network tells us that a lawsuit filed in Montana challenging the state’s wolf and coyote trapping practices has been dismissed by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy.  The lawsuit, brought by Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force and Wild Earth Guardians, argued that the state’s current trapping regulations could harm grizzly bears. The state of Montana rejected the argument on the basis that trapping has not previously affected grizzly bears in a tangible way.

The Montana Farm Bureau, along with other livestock organizations, were defendants in the case. The Farm Bureau's stance was based on the scope of the area limiting trapping, that it was too broad and included areas of Montana outside of grizzly bear habitat.

Judge Malloy dismissed the case since both parties agreed the rule is unnecessary due to the new Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks trapping regulations.  While the new regulations include some of what the Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force was looking for, they don’t go into effect until or if a grizzly bear is snared.

The Montana Farm Bureau pointed out that the rule will have an annual review allowing for the adaptation and removal of language as more information is collected. They also expressed gratitude to Judge Molloy for dismissing the case, and affirmed that they work closely with Montana FWP to ensure that, "Ranchers’ and landowners’ privacy will remain protected, and livestock producers can continue to control predators that may harm their cattle, sheep and other livestock.”