Sportsmen’s group decries hunting violations

Montana Sportsmen Alliance is appalled at the number of illegal and unethical incidents that have occurred since the opening of the general big game rifle season.

Between the moose poaching, elk being shot and left, crippling of elk while shooting into large herds, trespassing to shoot elk, etc., it has become apparent that hunters need to do a much better job policing ourselves.

Those who are killing and leaving the animals behind to rot should not be labeled as hunters but instead “thieves” and criminals who are stealing from all of us.

They are stealing our wildlife, our reputation and the future of hunting from resident Montanans. While it may only be a small percentage of hunters that are causing the problem, the entire hunting community gets a black eye every time one of these incidents occur.

We cannot tolerate the “slob” hunter who refuses to hunt legally and ethically.

MSA has worked hard during the last four years to protect our wildlife resources and the sport of hunting, while at the same time working to improve access and relationships with ranchers and landowners. Ranchers and landowners have every right to be upset when people knowingly trespass to hunt. When the animal is left to rot, the crime becomes even more reprehensible.

It would be impossible to blame landowners who decide to take their property out of Block Management or just close it off to hunting based on what is happening around the state. Access is critical for the sport of hunting and to provide proper wildlife management of our big game species. Every incident and violation can impact a rancher/landowner’s decision as to whether to allow hunting. With today’s GPS technology and available landowner “chips,” that are accurate to within a very short distance, there is no excuse for trespassing.

The FWP only has so many wardens to patrol a very large state, whereas there are thousands of Montana resident hunters who are in the field virtually every day of the general season. We need to be the additional eyes and ears of the FWP.

When we see violations or unsafe practices, it is our duty to call the proper authorities and report the violation. If we see a blatant violation and say nothing, we are as guilty as those who commit the crime. This is our sport and we have the obligation to protect and enhance the reputation of hunting and hunters.

It is time that the resident hunters stand up for the sport and get involved. Walking away with the attitude that you do not want to get involved is unacceptable!

We are not suggesting that you confront the violators, just report it to the proper authorities. Your reward will be the knowledge that you are doing the right thing.

Call 800-TIP-MONT (847-6668) or your local sheriff’s office whenever you see a violation or have information regarding any fish and game violation.

This piece was submitted by Montana Sportsmen Alliance members Vito Quatraro of Bozeman, Joe Perry of Conrad, John Borgreen of Great Falls, JW Westman of Park City, Sam Milodragovich of Butte and Robert Wood of Hamilton.