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Articles by Stephen Capra
Republicans need to listen to voters on wolves | Stephen Capra
The recent study released on Dec. 12, by Alexander and Elizabeth Metcalf at the University of Montana College of Forestry, Justin Gude and Michael Lewis of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and John Baldridge of UM’s Business and Economic research, as reported by Rob Chaney, makes clear that wolf tolerance has grown considerably while Montana republicans continue to treat wolves as a threat. kAm%96:C C6D62C49 4@>A2C65 H@=7 E@=6C2?46 H:E9 >@C6 E92? f[e_f |@?E2?2?D 7C@> a_`a E@ a_ab] x?
Republicans need to listen to voters on wolves | Stephen Capra
The recent study released on Dec. 12, by Alexander and Elizabeth Metcalf at the University of Montana College of Forestry, Justin Gude and Michael Lewis of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and John Baldridge of UM’s Business and Economic research, as reported by Rob Chaney, makes clear that wolf tolerance has grown considerably while Montana republicans continue to treat wolves as a threat. kAm%96:C C6D62C49 4@>A2C65 H@=7 E@=6C2?46 H:E9 >@C6 E92? f[e_f |@?E2?2?D 7C@> a_`a E@ a_ab] x?
Republicans need to listen to voters on wolves | Stephen Capra
The recent study released on Dec. 12, by Alexander and Elizabeth Metcalf at the University of Montana College of Forestry, Justin Gude and Michael Lewis of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and John Baldridge of UM’s Business and Economic research, as reported by Rob Chaney, makes clear that wolf tolerance has grown considerably while Montana republicans continue to treat wolves as a threat. Their research compared wolf tolerance with more than 7,607 Montanans from 2012 to 2023.
Stephen Capra: Republicans need to listen to voters on wolves
The recent study released on Dec. 12 by Alexander and Elizabeth Metcalf at the University of Montana Forestry, Justin Gude and Michael Lewis of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and John Baldridge of UM’s Business and Economic research makes clear that wolf tolerance has grown considerably while Montana Republicans continue to treat wolves as a threat. Their research compared wolf tolerance with more than 7,607 Montanans from 2012 to 2023.
Stephen Capra: Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission - a commission that kills
The recent Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting (Aug. 21) on wolves shows once again that this is a commission, with the exception of Commissioner Brooks, that is dedicated to the slaughter of wolves. The meeting was an example of complete incompetence and lack of political independence. Science is lost on these commissioners, who twist it to their needs. IPOM, which has repeatedly been proven to not be accurate is used and defended.
Stephen Capra: A vision for a wild 'Sanctuary for Wildlife' in southwest Montana
For far too long, Montana has not put any big visions on the table. Conservation groups in Bozeman are proposing plans for the Madison-Gallatin ranges. Some want to turn the area into a free-wheeling snowmobile, off-road vehicle circus, which would destroy perhaps the most important wildlife corridor in the lower 48. We support wilderness for all the areas in the ranges, but first the monument and management plan, so that it prevents more needless killing of predator species.
The man who would kill wolf pups
“We must kill more wolves, when hornets get near my house, I don’t just kill the adults, I destroy the larvae.” — Rep. Paul Fielder Over the past several years, we have come to know Paul Fielder (R), of Thompson Falls through the course of his tenure as state senator and now representative. We have seen him work tirelessly to eradicate wolves in Montana and has shown no fondness for grizzly bears either. He attempted to have trapping made part of the state constitution.
The Man Who Would Kill Wolf Pups
“We must kill more wolves. When hornets get near my house, I don’t just kill the adults, I destroy the larvae.” – Representative Paul Fielder, Thompson Falls, Montana Over the past several years, we have come to know Paul Fielder (R) of Thompson Falls through the course of his tenure as state senator and now representative. We have seen him work tirelessly to eradicate wolves in Montana and he has shown no fondness for grizzly bears either.
Stephen Capra: Let’s move forward with determination
The recent stories of Gov. Greg Gianforte in the New York Times reveal his sad and sick approach to wildlife. Allowing career employees to lose their jobs, sends a message that our governor cares about no one but himself. But rather than dwell on him, lets focus on what we can do to make Montana a model for the country, protecting wildlife, public lands and our future.
Stephen Capra: Let’s move forward with determination
The recent stories of Gov. Greg Gianforte in the New York Times reveal his sad and sick approach to wildlife. Allowing career employees to lose their jobs, sends a message that our governor cares about no one but himself. But rather than dwell on him, lets focus on what we can do to make Montana a model for the country, protecting wildlife, public lands and our future.
Stephen Capra: Let’s move forward with determination
The recent stories of Gov. Greg Gianforte in the New York Times reveal his sad and sick approach to wildlife. Allowing career employees to lose their jobs, sends a message that our governor cares about no one but himself. But rather than dwell on him, lets focus on what we can do to make Montana a model for the country, protecting wildlife, public lands and our future.
Sex, morality and the Montana Legislature Original
We just learned of the savage violence that one man can inflict on wildlife. The man, if you can call him that, Cody Roberts went into a bar with a wolf whose mouth was taped shut. He had worn the wolf out by chasing him with a snowmobile and ran him over before showing off the terrified animal to the patrons of the bar, then took it out back and shot it, likely laughing.
Stephen Capra: Wildlife killing contests a disgrace in 21st century
STEPHEN CAPRA The competition to kill the most animals is something that its recent years has become a flashpoint for many of us who care about wildlife and are tired of the abuse that people put on them, when life alone is tough enough for so many species. Part of the charm of such killing contests to rural residents is that it is part of their image of being self-reliant.
Stephen Capra: Wildlife killing contests a disgrace in 21st century
The competition to kill the most animals is something that its recent years has become a flashpoint for many of us who care about wildlife and are tired of the abuse that people put on them, when life alone is tough enough for so many species. Part of the charm of such killing contests to rural residents is that it is part of their image of being self-reliant.
Stephen Capra: Wildlife killing contests a disgrace in 21st century
The competition to kill the most animals is something that its recent years has become a flashpoint for many of us who care about wildlife and are tired of the abuse that people put on them, when life alone is tough enough for so many species. Part of the charm of such killing contests to rural residents is that it is part of their image of being self-reliant.
Stephen Capra: Sex, morality and the Montana Legislature
With the new year comes new laws and, a few days ago, I took a look at some of the new laws passed by the 2023 Montana Legislature and was surprised to see that its version of morality was in full view. The Legislature is upset with nudity, sex, and the idea of homosexuality. They demand more religion and kneel at the altar of a man who thinks the Earth is only 6,000 years old and who traps and kills for trophies. New laws make that clear.
Guest column: Time has come for a new Montana/Idaho national monument
Time was, many of our iconic wildlife species in the Yellowstone region nearly went extinct. Many decades of hard conservation work has brought some of them back. But the tables are turning again as development and state-sanctioned predator eradication eats away at the Yellowstone megafauna. How are we going to keep our priceless wildlife populations from disappearing? It’s time for the Madison-Gallatin Wildlife National Monument.
Stephen Capra: The path to defeating ignorance
We work in a counter-intuitive place. They are lands that are graced with beauty and wildness. It is a landscape that many dream of, and few are lucky enough to spend time in. In essence, we are part of a vast bucket list for many people. Yet within the confines of Montana and Idaho, we are decomposing with the ignorance that fears wildness. There remain people who live in fear of wildness in its many forms.
Stephen Capra: No hunting of grizzlies — period
Following another legislative session where Republican lawmakers saw fit to impose their will on wildlife management, we saw the passage of SB 295. Like so many other Republican efforts to privatize wildlife and destroy predator species, the bill is heavy on rhetoric and light on science. Grizzly bears have not recovered in Montana. Lawmakers want you to believe they are, but facts do not match rancher and outfitter-infused talking points.
Stephen Capra: No hunting of grizzlies — period
Following another legislative session where Republican lawmakers saw fit to impose their will on wildlife management, we saw the passage of SB 295. Like so many other Republican efforts to privatize wildlife and destroy predator species, the bill is another heavy on rhetoric and light on science. Grizzly bears have not recovered in Montana. Lawmakers want you to believe they are, but facts do not match rancher and outfitter-infused talking points.
No Hunting Grizzlies… Period
Following another legislative session where Republican lawmakers saw fit to impose their will on wildlife management, we saw the passage of SB 295. Like so many other Republican efforts to privatize wildlife and destroy predator species, the bill is heavy on rhetoric and light on science. Grizzly bears have not recovered in Montana. Lawmakers want you to believe they are, but facts do not match rancher and outfitter-infused talking points.
Stephen Capra: No hunting of grizzlies — period
Following another legislative session where Republican lawmakers saw fit to impose their will on wildlife management, we saw the passage of SB 295. Like so many other Republican efforts to privatize wildlife and destroy predator species, the bill is heavy on rhetoric and light on science. Grizzly bears have not recovered in Montana. Lawmakers want you to believe they are, but facts do not match rancher and outfitter-infused talking points.
Stephen Capra: No hunting of grizzlies — period
Following another legislative session where Republican lawmakers saw fit to impose their will on wildlife management, we saw the passage of SB 295. Like so many other Republican efforts to privatize wildlife and destroy predator species, the bill is heavy on rhetoric and light on science. Grizzly bears have not recovered in Montana. Lawmakers want you to believe they are, but facts do not match rancher and outfitter-infused talking points.
Stephen Capra: Trappers are trying to steal our public lands
Montana’s Legislature is in yet another frenzy to destroy the state’s wildlife. Wolves and grizzly bears are targets of their raid on our natural resources. The Legislature, with few members educated in wildlife biology, is dictating policy not based on science but on cultural division and exploitation. Legislators are also lying to the public. Hunting and fishing are already protected in our state Constitution. But Rep.
Trappers are Trying to Steal Our Public Lands
Montana’s Legislature is in yet another frenzy to destroy Montana’s wildlife. Wolves and grizzly bears are targets of their raid on our natural resources. The Legislature, with few members educated in wildlife biology, is dictating policy not based on science but on cultural division and exploitation. Legislators are also lying to the public. Hunting and fishing are already protected in our state constitution. But Rep.
Trappers are trying to steal our public lands
Montana's Legislature is in yet another frenzy to destroy Montana's wildlife. Wolves and grizzly bears are targets of their raid on our natural resources. The Legislature, with few members educated in wildlife biology, is dictating policy not based on science but on cultural division and exploitation. Legislators are also lying to the public. Hunting and fishing are already protected in our state constitution. But Rep.
Governor Gianforte's War on Wildlife
In Montana, we are facing a cold and cruel winter. Our Governor Greg Gianforte has only been in office two years, but the path of blood for wildlife he has created has left many in our state sickened and outraged, for he is a trapper and a trophy hunter. In Montana, less than 1% of the people in the state actually trap wildlife. There is no money to be made, fur prices are at all-time lows and it is a barbaric practice.
Thank You Dave Foreman
For those who have not heard, Dave Foreman, the legendary conservationist and a personal hero of mine, died this past Monday after battling a lung illness. The passing of Dave is both the loss of a time when gutsy people could become heroes in conservation, and to be led by their vision and determination. During my time running New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (NMWA), Dave was a Board Member and a friend.
The silence is deafening
It's September, the deadline for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife decision on relisting wolves, and yet not a word from USFWS Director Martha Williams, recently a guest speaker at the annual Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus supported by the Safari Club and other trophy organizations. Rarely have so many comments been delivered on an issue as there has been on relisting wolves.
A Deafening Silence on Wolves
It’s September, the deadline for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife decision on relisting wolves, and yet not a word from USFWS Director Martha Williams, recently a guest speaker at the annual Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus supported by the Safari Club and other trophy organizations. Rarely have so many comments been delivered on an issue as there has been on relisting wolves.
The silence is deafening
It's September, the deadline for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife decision on relisting wolves, and yet not a word from USFWS Director Martha Williams, recently a guest speaker at the annual Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus supported by the Safari Club and other trophy organizations. Rarely have so many comments been delivered on an issue as there has been on relisting wolves.
Where is the Governor?
Today in Montana we are witness to some of the most devastating floods we have seen in generations. For the communities of Gardiner these floods are occurring at the very time this community depends on tourism dollars. The destruction of roads into Yellowstone and lost bridges will take time to repair, so will it be for flooding that has impacted Cooke City and the vital tourist dollars they depend on. So where is the Governor? The story goes he has been in Tuscany, really?
Wildlife management in Montana has reached a crisis
The recent editorial from Senator Daines and Jim Risch (Billings Gazette, April 3) is yet another example of the appalling lack of understanding and cruelty Montana's wildlife is subjected too. What's more a creationist is now spouting science to fit his political agenda and the consistent push by Republican lawmakers to make wolves a cultural war.
Senator Daines' wolf fantasy
The recent editorial from Senator Daines and Jim Risch (Missoulian April 4) is yet another example of the appalling lack of understanding and cruelty Montana's wildlife is subjected too. What's more a creationist is now spouting science to fit his political agenda and the consistent push by Republican lawmakers to make wolves a cultural war.
Guest view: Conflicts of interest sully wildlife board votes
Recently as I testified before the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Game Commission, I was speaking out about the shameful practice of hound hunting for bears. What is ironic, that some on the commission, who are making key decisions on our wildlife, stand to profit from the decisions they make on the very bears and other wildlife they vote on. The fact that many refuse to recuse themselves from profiting from their decisions, makes this commission an ethical quagmire.
Opinion: The Civil War on Yellowstone wolves Original
A gray wolf in 2004 at the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake, Minn. Dawn Villella Associated Press STEPHEN CAPRA By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing we set back the progress of humanity. — Rachel Carson We have just arrived at 2022. Thirty years ago, one would have imagined that wolves and grizzly bears would be enjoying protections and the respect that comes with an evolved society.
Montana wants to open hunting on grizzly bears. Why is co-existence so hard? - Focusing on Wildlife
“….. to be whole and harmonious, man must also know the music of the beaches and the woods. He must find the thing of which he is only an infinitesimal part and nurture it and love it, if he is to live.” —William O. Douglas In this part of Montana, most people view grizzly bears with pride, respect and wonder. But then I live in a university town that has to its credit some of the nation’s top grizzly bear researchers.
Democrats and the Wolf Slaughter
Gray wolf. Photo: Jeffrey St. Clair. This past year Montana’s governor and the Legislature, led by representative and trapper Paul Fielder from Thompson Falls, passed a series of reckless bills aimed at decimating the wolf population in our state, despite the fact we have record numbers of deer and elk requiring extra-long hunting seasons. Testimony at the Legislature warned legislators that if they passed wolf slaughter bills, the federal government would intervene.
Opinion: Trapping is torture, destruction of wildlife
Opinion: Trapping is torture, destruction of wildlife On Aug. 20 in Helena, the Fish, Wildlife and Parks commission will meet to likely rubber stamp some more of Gov. Greg Gianforte's "War on Wildlife." Besides the obvious effort to destroy wolves, remove setbacks for trapping on trails on a large swath of public lands in western Montana, they seem fixated on killing more river otters. River otters remain to many a very special animal to observe in the wild.
Killing more otters would be a waste of wildlife
Killing more otters would be a waste of wildlife The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Friday in Helena to likely rubber stamp some more of Gov. Gianforte's War on Wildlife. Besides the obvious effort to destroy wolves, remove setbacks for trapping on trails on a large swath of public lands in Western Montana, they seem fixated on killing more river otters. River otters remain to many a very special animal to observe in the wild.
The federal government must step in to save America's wolves
“Throughout the centuries we have projected on to the wolf the qualities we most despise and fear in ourselves.” —Barry Lopez We are in the midst of a crisis in the West; climate is showing us the reality of our future, with fire being the key ingredient. Yet the real crisis is not just what is happening to millions of acres of land, but what is occurring with wildlife — wolves in particular.
Opinion: Reality of new Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission
Opinion: Reality of new Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission On June 24, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold a Zoom meeting. Despite the fact that businesses are open and life is returning to normal, the commission and our governor have made sure this meeting is not in person. The reason is simple; this meeting will be held to discuss trapping and the slaughter of wolves that our legislature, governor and now the Fish and Wildlife Commission are planning for this fall.
Manage man, not wildlife
“One of the great dreams of man must be to find some place between the extremes of nature and civilization where it is possible to live without regret.” —Barry Lopez We live in a time of profit management of wildlife in the once-wild West. Several fish and game agencies have deserted the guiding principle of stewardship for fish, wildlife and our quality of life.
Opinion: Gianforte's actions call for more scrutiny
Opinion: Gianforte's actions call for more scrutiny Most of us believe in following the law. We understand some basic rules: cause no harm; respect those who apply the rules; if we break the law, we accept the outcome and work to improve ourselves. Yet the leader of our state acts as if the laws we all abide by do not apply to him. Gov. Greg Gianforte is a repeat offender. When he body slammed a reporter, many were shocked. He was convicted of his crime.
Guest view: Legislature is not qualified to manage wildlife
Guest view: Legislature is not qualified to manage wildlife Montana is currently undergoing its 67th legislative session. How invested are you as a resident of Montana in the decisions being made in your name? Unfortunately, what is coming out of the Capitol in Helena is a lot of legislation harmful to wildlife. Much of that is being introduced by a few individuals in support of special-interest groups.
Choked up: Slate of bills seeks to expand trapping, target wolves in Montana
Choked up: Slate of bills seeks to expand trapping, target wolves in Montana Rep. Paul Fielder continues his one-man mission to destroy wolves in Montana.
'Session of slaughter' in wolf-trap proposals
'Session of slaughter' in wolf-trap proposals The Republicans in the Republican-controlled Montana Legislature are already in pitched battle with each other, in total disregard for the responsibilities and honor of their jobs. Giddy with power, the extremists are frothing about leading a coup to make Montana their playground. After all, Greg Gianforte won’t veto their bills. Nowhere is this clearer than the bills prepared by Thompson Falls Rep.
Gianforte presents a danger to Montana's wildlife
Gianforte presents a danger to Montana's wildlife Montana voters recently voted in an extreme anti-wildlife and public lands state legislature. They also voted in Greg Gianforte as our next governor, thus ending the checks and balances we had enjoyed over the past 16 years. What this action will allow can be seen by the past history the new governor.
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