Letter to the Editor: Vote against anti-trapping initiative

Editor,

Are you a farmer who leases state land to plant crops on? Are you a rancher who grazes livestock on State lands? If so, it is imperative that you check out I-177 which will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

A farmer who leases State land and has badgers digging holes in the field while they are hunting gophers will no longer be able to trap the badgers until all non-lethal methods have been tried by the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for 30 days.

A rancher who grazes livestock on leased public lands and has a predator problem with coyotes must have the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks use all nonlethal methods for 30 days before trapping can commence. If coyote dens with pups are on the land you will be asked or required to remove your livestock from the area until the pups disperse.

If you think I-177 only affects trappers you are mistaken.

Common sense, proper conservation and land management equates to a no vote on I-177.

Respectfully submitted,

Fran Buell

Gildford