Toby Walrath, President Phone (406) 369 – 5119
PO Box 182 Email: wildpride13@yahoo.com
Corvallis MT 59828 Web: www.montanatrappers.org
For Immediate Release
March 10, 2014
Trappers Association demands apology for ‘Hitler’ reference
Hamilton – The Montana Trappers Association on Monday demanded an apology from anti-trap activists for an online posting and email invoking an Adolf Hitler quote in an effort to degrade trappers.
“To make any suggestion that Montana outdoorsmen taking part in a time-honored activity are like a monster who murdered 6 million human beings is beyond disgusting,” said Toby Walrath, President of the Montana Trappers Association. “As a Montanan, as a trapper and as a human being, I find it unconscionable that anyone would attempt to use one of the darkest times in world history, and one of the most vile people to ever walk the earth, to try to smear trappers and gain some fleeting sort of support for their cause.”
The reference was made in an email sent early Saturday (March 8) morning by an activist group known as Trap Free Montana Public Lands. The full email is below.
Walrath said the Hitler reference was a clear act of desperation. “We have been calling these animal rights activists out on the misinformation they continue to spread about trapping. We’ve cited biologists, wildlife experts and leading wildlife associations who support trapping because they know it is a vital wildlife management tool. We have called these activists out for continuing to spread the lie that trapping has decimated animal species in the state. Since they can’t respond with facts, they resort to likening us to a monster. I hope Montanans see the desperation of that action.”
Walrath said it is unlikely the animal rights activists will apologize, but he hopes the demand for one makes activists think before they speak.
“We know that trapping is not only a part of Montana heritage, but is a critical tool for managing wildlife,” he said. “That is why it’s supported by the Wildlife Society, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and others who have a true interest in the future of animals and their habitat. We believe wildlife management should be a decision based on science. We will continue to make our case by showing Montanans the facts.”
EMAIL EXCERPT BELOW:
From: “TFMPL Gather Signatures ” <signgather@trapfreemt.org>
Date: March 8, 2014 at 2:39:13 AM MST
To: “TFMPL Signature Gatherers” <signgather@trapfreemt.org>
Subject: Trapping in the Media
Dear friends of TFMPL,
There is so much fallacy, distortion and out right lies being promoted
by the trappers.
‘If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough,it will be
believed.’ … Adolf Hitler
We need your help in getting the word out about the Trap Free Montana
Public Lands ballot initiative and more importantly, why you support
it.
Here is a list of recent articles re trapping and the links to papers to
write.
http://www.trapfreemt.org/media-links
Please help write letters to the editors. You can submit to many
papers. We can review them or help edit if you like. Please once they
are in print be sure to let us know.
Thank you for your willingness and commitment in helping achieve Trap
Free Montana Public Lands!
Your friends at
Trap Free Montana Public Lands
Trap Free Montana Public Lands (TFMPL) is a ballot issue committee
dedicated to achieving trap free public lands in Montana in 2014 through
a citizen driven ballot initiative.
TFMPL PO Box 1347 Hamilton, Montana 59840
406-218-1170
info@trapfreemt.org
trapfreemt.org
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