1srelluc
Diamond Member
Montana Judge Says Landowners Don’t Have ‘Absolute Freedom’ to Kill Elk, and Allowing Public Hunting Doesn’t Infringe on Their Rights
A Montana district court judge ruled that landowners don't have a fundamental right to kill elk damaging their property.
www.outdoorlife.com
A group of Montana landowners have been restricting hunting access to hunters and guides who will pay the big money. This has led to population increases which they claim is damaging their property.
They sue Montana Fish & Wildlife to allow them to "cull" elk out of season and without permits. (IE they want to be able to sell more hunts). Judge says no.
"Because many hunters in Montana cannot get to land where elk live, elk numbers are difficult to reduce," Todd (the judge) writes. "UPOM members have a substantial number of elk on their property, and they have the right to exclude the public and MFWP cannot force public access on them. But by failing to utilize existing programs and harvest opportunities and failing to allow public hunting, UPOM has not prevailed."
Live by property rights, die by property rights. Can't have it both ways.....At least till they can find a more friendly judge.
Apparently there is an overpopulation of 50,000+ animals.
Sounds like the ranchers stole the playbook from Texas farmers with their wild hog "problem" but the judge told them to FOAD.
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