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Trap Free Montana, Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization established in 2015. We are a grassroots boots on the ground nonprofit originating from our 2014 ballot initiative attempt for Trap Free Montana Public Lands (TFMPL). We are made up of very diverse supporters who, for one reason or many, oppose trapping.
Our mission is to connect people's heart and mind through the best available science, the truths in trapping, understanding, appreciation, and compassion to rise to the plight of wildlife and support biodiversity, respectful coexistence, and responsible stewardship.
Trap Free Montana's philosophy resonates with this quote 50 years ago by naturalist Baba Dioum,
"In the end we'll conserve only what we love, we'll love only what we understand, and we'll understand only what we've been taught."
Along with increasing your knowledge about wildlife, our goal is to be your credible resource for learning the truths in trapping. We aim to increase public awareness and advocacy for the wildlife, the domestic animals, and natural resources impacted, damaged, and destroyed in this archaic, indiscriminate, unnecessary, and cruel activity of trapping.
We partner with our affiliate, Trap Free Montana Public Lands, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization that advocates for trap free public lands and trapping reform primarily through the legislative process.
Follow us on facebook, twitter and instagram.
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Our Montana outdoor lifestyle and presence of public lands is a major draw for residents, small businesses, and the visitors who come and primarily to view wildlife. Our public lands comprise roughly only 1/3 of Montana. Contrarily, and unknown to many, lies the hidden indiscriminate destruction from legal year-round trapping resulting in a reported average of 50,000 wild animals are trapped and killed and an average of anywhere from 25-50 dogs are trapped annually in Montana. Trapping is highly unregulated in our state. Residents do not even need a license to trap. No one actually knows the horrendous toll trapping takes. Trappers and their allies in power like it that way.
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1. Trapping takes an enormous toll on riparian ecology by especially targeting beaver. This means less water and less riparian habitat for all species (humans, songbirds, ungulates, fish, etc.)
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Q: Who are we and what is the purpose?
A: Trap Free Montana (TFM) is supported by hikers, anglers, hunters, wildlife watchers, scientists, educators, ranchers, pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts all sharing a common denominator as wildlife supporters. We value wildlife, all wildlife, and the science supporting their role in the ecosystem. We promote preventative and nonlethal methods to reduce conflicts with wildlife and facilitate respectful coexistence with the incredible and valuable wildlife in Montana. In contrast, we provide the facts and expose the secreted truths into the hidden disturbing realm of trapping and the horrendous toll it takes. We are the 501-c3 affiliate of Trap Free Montana Public Lands, Inc. (TFMPL). Originally, TFMPL formed as a ballot issue committee at the end of 2013 and conducted a ballot initiative to achieve trap free Montana public lands for the 2014 ballot. Although the public was notably enthusiastically supportive, not enough signatures were gathered for the ballot in the several months that were available once the initiative was finally underway. TFMPL continues working for trapping reform by increasing public awareness, collaborating, and utilizing political and legislative influence and processes from the facts and education that Trap Free Montana provides.
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- Hunting is regulated and hunters are generally penalized for shooting the wrong species. Hunters have a season, wear orange, have a bag limit, are not allowed to bait animals.
- Hunters are not permitted to leave their guns set unattended ready to shoot. In Montana it is illegal to leave a fishing pole unattended. A trapper can set and leave as many traps and snares as they choose. Trappers tell FWP they set 50,000 traps.
