“Wolf Warriors” on Facebook reports the following:
On Thursday, March 24, at 9am, the Montana Senate Finance & Claims Committee will hear testimony on SB 414, the Montana Wolf Control Act. Among other things, this bill wil…l make it legal to shoot wolves at any time on private land, even without a hunting license. This bill will diminish the success of wolf recovery in Montana, while seriously undermining Montana’s federally-approved wolf management plan!
We believe wolves should be managed like other native wildlife, as a valuable part of Montana’s wildlife heritage, not as pests to be destroyed.
Please contact the Senate Finance & Claims committee in Helena and urge them to VOTE NO on SB 414.
Background on SB 414 (Sponsored by Sen. Chas Vincent).
* Prevents Montana game wardens from investigating or citing anyone who kills a wolf when wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
* Allows wolves to be killed on private land at any time without a license, once wolves have been delisted.
* Requires Montana FWP to kill entire packs in response to any livestock depredation or reductions in elk herd numbers, while wolves are protected under the ESA, as long as there are at least 15 breeding pairs in the state.
* Forces the Attorney General to sue the federal government for “economic damages” to livestock and big game caused by wolves.
Nearly a dozen other wolf-related bills have already been drafted in Helena, and are moving through the process. Besides increasing the killing of wolves in Montana, these bill hearings provide a forum for anti-wolf types to vilify wolves, carnivores, and endangered species generally.
That is why your legislators in Helena need to hear from you!
**Please contact the Senate Finance & Claims committee and let them know you oppose SB 414**
You can also call the capitol at 444-4800 and leave a message for the Senate Finance & Claims Committee.
I’ve pasted some more talking points below. Please feel free to put them into your own words. Also, if you would like to attend a hearing at the Capitol in Helena, please contact me for more information.
Thank you for speaking up for wolves and Montana’s wildlife heritage!
[If the links do not work in this message, please copy and paste this address you’re your browser window: http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/62nd/legwebmessage.asp ]’
The Wolf Preservation Blog 
**Here is your chance to share your thoughts about the protection of wolves. Specifically, mention that you oppose SB 414!
Call the Session Information Desk at 406-444-4800 to leave a message for as many as five legislators or one legislative committee per call. Your message will be delivered directly to the legislators. The TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf) number is 406-444-4462 . NOTE – Your message will be stored on a public server, paid for and maintained with public funds, and therefore may be subject to public disclosure upon request.
The Session Information Desk is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to adjournment on Saturdays.
Between sessions: Call legislators directly using the telephone numbers provided in the legislative roster and in published legislative guides.
Online
During sessions: You may send a message using this online message form.
NOTE – Your message will be stored on a public server, paid for and maintained with public funds, and therefore may be subject to public disclosure upon request.
Between sessions: You may use the e-mail addresses provided with the legislative roster and published in legislative guides.
By Mail
A well-written letter is one of the best ways to let your legislator know your thoughts and opinions about a particular issue. Here are some tips for getting your message across effectively:
Be brief. Legislators have many demands on their time. They appreciate letters that are short and to the point.
Put the message in your own words. Form letters and petitions don’t have the same impact as personal, informed opinions.
Address your letter to a specific legislator or legislators. Depending on your message, you may want to write to the sponsor of a bill, certain members of a committee, or your own legislators. Don’t address your letter to the entire Legislature.
Identify bills by their number, title, and sponsor.
Explain your position on the bill and ask for the legislator’s support or opposition.
Give any sources of information that you use to make your point.
Include your name, address, and a little about who you are (for example, where you work or what school you attend).
Address letters to:
Senator XXXX
Montana Senate
PO Box 200500
Helena, MT 59620-0500
or
Rep. XXXX
Montana House of Representatives
PO Box 200400
Helena, MT 59620-0400
By Fax
During sessions:
House 406-444-4825 Senate 406-444-4875 http://leg.mt.gov/css/About-the-Legislature/Lawmaking-Process/contact-legislators.asp
MAKE SURE YOU AVOID USING ANY WORDS WITH APOSTROPHES OR ELSE COMMENTS WON’T BE SUBMITTED.