Mike Schmid tried twice on Thursday to talk his colleagues into ending the legal-in-Wyoming practice of running down coyotes and other species with snowmobiles and striking exhausted animals.
It’s a form of hunting that was put on display for the world to see nearly a year ago, when a resident of Schmid’s new district in the Green River Basin badly injured a juvenile wolf with his snowmachine and then took it into a public bar for cheap thrills. The infamous incident attracted global ire that the Wyoming Freedom Caucus-aligned Republican representative’s community is still recovering from.
“I truly believe, with the discussions I’ve had in my district, that this [amendment] will close the door on this issue,” Schmid on Thursday told members of the Wyoming House. “This black eye that Wyoming has will begin to heal.”
Schmid’s motion was to amend House Bill 275, “Treatment of animals,” which was brought by Rep. Andrew Byron, R-Jackson, in direct response to the wolf torture stunt. That bill, which passed the Wyoming House 57-3 on Thursday, heightens penalties for cruelty and a person who “tortures, torments or mutilates” living wildlife, regardless of the species.
Schmid, an avid hunter, wanted the bill to go further, proposing a prohibition on striking animals with snowmobiles on public land. So did Rep. Karlee Provenza, a Laramie Democrat, who partnered on the amendment.
“We were on the world stage, and it wasn’t just for what happened in the bar — it was for what happened before,” Provenza said. “Our wildlife are part of our heritage. I’ve said it 100 times, I’ll say it 100 more: ‘I think we need to be better stewards of it.’”
The unlikely duo partnering on the amendment didn’t sway many colleagues. Their amendment was specific to public land, a provision Schmid said was intended to “protect our agricultural community,” allowing ranchers to continue using the tactic on private land.
Rep. Elissa Campbell, R-Casper, worried about muddying HB 275, which she said strikes a “beautiful balance” and had support from sportsmen, landowners, concerned citizens and ranchers. The livestock industry, notably, has strongly resisted restrictions on running over animals with snowmobiles.
Rep. McKay Erickson, R-Afton, argued that hunting with over-snow vehicles is a necessary predator control. He referenced the Dog Creek Wolf Pack south of Jackson, which his constituent hunted down relentlessly — the Wyoming Game and Fish Department reports the 12-animal pack was completely eliminated.
“Using a legal snow bike, he pursued and was able to take predators,” Erickson said. “He would have never been able to even touch these animals without the use of the motorized vehicle, and that was on public land.”
In an overwhelming voice vote, the Schmid-Provenza amendment failed.
That night, Schmid pitched the same plan as standalone legislation to the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee, of which he’s a member.
“This bill is very simple,” Schmid said. “All it does is stop … the senseless act of using a machine to repeatedly run over an animal in order to maim it or kill it.”
Although unpopular as an amendment to HB 275, the standalone House Bill 331, “Taking of predators on public lands,” had a number of supporters in advance. Co-sponsors included a politically diverse group: Reps. Gary Brown, R-Cheyenne; JT Larson, R-Rock Springs; Darin McCann, R-Rock Springs; Daniel Singh, R-Cheyenne: Liz Storer, D-Jackson: Nina Webber, R-Cody; and Sen. Lynn Hutchings, R-Cheyenne.
Schmid offered an amendment, proposing to add the word “intentionally” in several sections of HB 331 to allay concerns shared on the House floor about criminalizing accidentally striking animals while driving.
Late into the evening, the Ag Committee worked on the bill.
Rep. Bob Davis, R-Baggs, inquired whether it would prohibit pursuing predators with snowmachines. It did not, Schmid explained, and was only intended to address using the vehicle as a weapon.
Agricultural industry reps showed up in resistance.
“I don’t think this bill is needed,” Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation lobbyist Brett Moline testified. “I think the actions that would lead up to something being killed are covered by the other bill [HB 275].”
Several others disagreed, commending Schmid’s measure.
Were it enacted, Byron’s House Bill 275, “Treatment of animals,” would not prohibit the pursuit and snowmobile-caused injury to the wolf that ended up in the Sublette County bar, Greater Yellowstone Coalition lobbyist Richard Garrett testified.
“So I’m afraid we would still potentially have another eye to be blackened if this bill [HB 275] were to stand as it’s drafted,” he said.
Sabrina King, lobbying for the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers’ Wyoming chapter, echoed the point.
“I would venture that the sporting community in Wyoming does not support running over animals with vehicles,” she testified. “We do not consider that fair chase. And we do think that this bill closes that final gap that House Bill 275 does not.”
The amended version of Schmid’s HB 331 died in the Ag committee, albeit in a split vote. Schmid, Provenza and fellow Reps. Steve Johnson, R-Cheyenne and Pepper Ottman, R-Riverton voted to advance it. Opposing were Reps. Davis, Dalton Banks, R-Cowley, John Eklund, R-Cheyenne and Tomi Strock, R-Douglas.
Although it’s been struck down, HB 331 lured more support than any prior Wyoming legislative attempt to end a culture of recreationally running over wildlife with snowmobiles.
Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, ran a similar measure with only Democrat sponsors in 2019 that did not get a committee hearing. That same year, Yin tried again, though failed to get any support from the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee.
Storer, who chaired the “Treatment of Predators Working Group” in the aftermath of the infamous wolf incident, also was interested in pursuing a ban, but was discouraged from doing so by Gov. Mark Gordon and others.
Schmid told WyoFile in a text message he intends to try again at a prohibition.
“I will continue to do what I can,” Schmid said. “As an avid hunter, I hate what this says about something I love so much.”
I’m horrified that WY legislature is condoning and permitting the deliberate torture of wildlife by snowmobilers. It is news that should be distributed to all people beyond WY so that they can protest the legislature and opt to boycott WY completely. To that end, I have forwarded this article to every animal welfare organization national and international. I hope this results in a backlash and another black eye for the legislators who favor animal torture
What is wrong with U people? The whole world is watching while U use barbaric methods for predator control. The state relies on tourism for millions to billons of dollars of income and this will turn off many who would otherwise come to Wyoming to recreate and live. I grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and still enjoy visiting. But the idea of predator “whacking” turns my stomach, and I’m not alone. I would encourage legislators to reject this sickening practice.
It would have been nice if the legislators gutted this disgusting practice for good.
These are the guys who want to take control of Federal Park Lands! They have proven themselves that their suit is not only ridiculous but dangerous!
The Wyoming legislature is reprehensible for overwhelmingly failing to pass this anti-cruelty law. I can only hope that the legislators do not truly represent the people of Wyoming, who I believe to be more compassionate and bigger hearted than the legisture’s actions indicate.
Despicable! Allowing this “sport” and I use that word lightly, to continue shows you what kind of people populate our legislature and get voted in every year! Next they’ll be targeting your school kids waiting for the bus.
What the hell is wrong with these people? In what world is it acceptable to repeated chase, hit and run over an animal with a snowmobile in order to maim and kill it? This is NEVER okay! How on earth does a bill to outlaw this brutal act get voted down? This must be all about money, so if we follow the money we will see who the Neanderthals are in congress??
Representatives Schmid and Provenza thank you for your courage and vision. As Rep. Provenza stated “Wyoming is on the world stage…”. How we are viewed affects our economic diversification efforts and our ability to hold our University of Wyoming graduates in our state. May be a few industries, like gun manufactures, choose to move here or graduates chose to stay here because we relish in the sport of running over predators with snowmobiles. However, I doubt if this a winning point of view that attracts industries that require a high skilled workforce like our Wyoming graduates.
Ah, our Wizard legislators at it again. Pitiful and downright mean.
It’s a shame the livestock community does not see or understand the value of Wyoming’s greatest and Natural Resource – “Wildlife.” It’s absolutely necessary for an ecosystem to have a healthy predator-prey relationship, therefore predators are vital. It’s my understanding that livestock owners are reimbursed for loss by predators. Their response in not supporting this bill, appears to be based on revenge for the predatory animal. There are better ways to manage livestock from predators by hiring people, adding dogs, moving herds around, adding trail cameras and more. There is a risk in placing livestock in predatory areas. The livestock representatives should realize the value and dollars brought to this state by hunters & tourists who come to experience the very animals they feel justified in running over with snow mobiles. I can only hope our representatives who value and support good stewardship of Wyomings wildlife will continue the good fight. I thank them now for another try at doing just this, stewardship for Wyomings Natural Resources.
People act like this is a common occurrence. It absolutely is not.
Legislators may be hesitant to write a law on this, as it could then be used to outlaw trapping, etc. as “cruel”. And most likely, it would be used by the opponents of trapping/hunting/etc.
So what!
Humans are more vicious than the predators they persecute. What’s more humane, a bullet or repeatedly run over by a sled? It’s killing for fun, nothing more.
And if you’re concerned about trapping in Wyoming, do someone proactive in regard to trap check times, or eventually someone will do it for you. Why would anyone want an animal to languish for 72 hours or more?
In Wyoming, leg-hold traps must be checked at least every 72 hours, and snares and quick-kill traps must be checked at least once a week. However, the check time for snares and quick-kill traps can be up to 13 days, depending on the day of the week the trap is set
Those of you within and outside of Wyoming, please keep the pressure on regarding this topic. Many of us agree – it is simply not enough. I was there, testifying and listening to discussion. Wyomingites, talk to your legislators – your voice (in person is best) is very important to this fight. Those outside of Wyoming, many of us were there testifying, making the argument about tourism and cruelty. But we were ignored. We will continue working on this issue – it is simply not the viewpoint of most people who live in Wyoming and not the viewpoint of most of our hunters. Fair chase matters. I would also like to encourage Wyomingites who know that their legislator supported eliminating this cruel sport on public lands – support them, let them know where you are on this issue. Your personal connection means so much.
I’ll add, as far as protecting your stock from predators… if you have that much time on your hands that you can spend a day chasing a predator through the wilderness, instead of shooting it humanely, then your time would be better spent improving your stockmanship. It’s been made clear that this activity is “for fun.”
Once again Wyoming fails. We’re not talking hunting. We’re talking prolonged, sustained abuse ending in a horrid death. Sport? I think not.
Kerry, now do trapping. I bet you will say the same thing and trapping is as old as human kind.
Humankind: An evolutionary abomination, which likely is near the end of its existence, having swallowed itself whole…
even more despicable than the outcome of this vote is the need for it…. having to convince human beings that running over, torturing and tormenting any living creature is beyond humane belief…how gaining joy and pleasure by sheer insanity and cruelty is counterproductive to humanity and mentally sick. shame on those who commit these barbaric acts and those who uphold the ‘right’ to continue…..
I am again saddened and appalled at our Wyoming legislators who think using a snowmobile to rundown wildlife is okay. It is NOT OK!!!
Since when has it been ok to treat any animal cruelly. Predators have no place in my heart but they also don’t deserve to be treated like trash either. Where’s the morales and ethics in this. How are we suppose to teach the younger generations about ethical hunting when you’re saying it’s alright to run animals down with motorized vehicles. So basically what I’ve gathered from this is say for example I’m out antelope hunting and see a bunch standing on the road it’s ok for me to mow them over with my pickup grab the one I want and carry on about my day. I understand it takes snowmobile to get to where these animals are at times but that’s why we also have rifles is to shoot them. This is ridiculous that this has even become a discussion and that it was even allowed to begin with. The lawmakers that rejected the ban on this need their heads examined.
I can’t believe that these people would do this to animals!
This is not hunting.
This is murdering.
Hunting should be for the harvesting of food for yourself or family.
Not for a trophee.
I would love to be able to treat these people as they have treated animals.
My husband is a hunter in Canada.
He respects the animal and gives thanks.
He is an ethical hunter.
He hunts for food.
He will not take a life for nothing.
Karma.
Thank you Mike Schmid for trying to end this barbaric practice. Shame on Wyoming legislators for allowing an excruciatingly painful and unnecessary death for wolves. They are a keystone species and play an important role in the balance of the ecosystem. God put wolves here for a reason. This is a GLOBAL outrage and the majority of people want this suffering to end! SHAME on WYOMING.
What is wrong with passing a bill that would prohibit running over wildlife with a snowmobile? Is this what passes for recreation in Wyoming? This is sadistic and the Marque DeSade would be proud of you.
The outfitter who commented earlier said it all. Your outfitters who are pushing against this humane bill probably make more money getting overweight paying folks there quickly. Ranchers have the the same self interest. Your politicians get paid by them. Any argument that wolves are impacting elk, or moose herds are scientifically illiterate. Cattle and sheep farmers are a different story.There is more than one organization that will help stop deprivation and even pay for livestock losses if wolves mountain lions etc.are proven to be at fault. Unless bad management by ranchers. Folks who try to compare wolves running wild in the suburbs to being in Wyoming are disingenuous idiots. Lastly, running over a wolf and torturing it inside one of your many bars as entertainment for the drunks watching. Doing nothing about it.Pretty much says what Wyoming folks are all about . Your legacy hasn’t changed since the 1800’s. Without guns where are your cultural contributions? I’ve hunted responsibly for 40 yrs and stalked and eaten what I killed. You kill for killings sake.
“Tradition”? Gimme a break!
Chasing predators with a snow machine is not hunting. Killing predators is not hunting. The rules applied to hunting do not apply to killing predators.
Real men don’t kill or maim animals with vehicles; that is, unless you feel your “masculinity” needs a boost. Use your rifle; use your hands….but a vehicle or bike. Really?
Unbelievable! Why don’t we make “Chasin Fur” an event in the Wyoming Winter Games? I am sure Trump Jr would put in an appearance for such excitement.
Divide the populace. “They” introduced the predator wildlife into the wild therefore created the problem. Now “they” have the obvious results and currently present “their” solution.
Political posturing.
Populace control.
All organized theater.
An awful state with just a few good people & ethical sportsmen/hunters. Will avoid going there for any reason except to support humane laws/legislation in line with a civilized 21st century America.
I have several issues concerning this subject, it isn’t so much that Wyoming allows running animals down with a motorized vehicle, but the fact this guy does so and then spent hours torturing it and taking it into a bar to further torment the animal before finally taking it outside to put it out of its misery, that’s some flat out Jeffery Dahmer bs there! How would people and our government feel and react if this were to happen to their pets or for that matter, say one of their children or themselves ? The fact that Wyoming would sit on their hands and waffle about taking a legal stand to protect those who don’t have voice to protect themselves from these human monsters is incredibly troubling while it sends a bad message to the world. They can pick and choose what constitutes cruelty and abuse, while turning a blind eye to what they dont want to deal with?? Or maybe they do so when that family has money or other standing in the communities? Where’s your back bone WYOMING government??? It’s not ok to run elk and antelope across the fields on your quad without trying to hit them, but it’s ok to run down wolves on a snow machine and then torture it indefinitely? Both acts are cruel and uncalled for and deserve severe repercussions. Is it any wonder people think it’s fine to do the evil mean things for power and control , to anything more defenseless and smaller than they are? The ones condoning it as well as the ones committing these atrocious acts should be sentenced in a like manner! Definitely a sad commentary on how our world is becoming.
It’s shameful that people chase down wildlife using machines. That’s not being a “hunter.” That is being a “killer.” There’s a difference! People doing this are irresponsible and give a bad name to responsible hunters and give a bad name to the state of Wyoming! It’s disappointing and sad to think there are actually people that think this is okay, and that think it’s okay to “torture” any animals. People that do this type of hunting or torture animals and take the m to public places for show are not good people, and most likely will abuse domestic pets and abuse people, too. There’s something wrong with people that support this type of hunting. There’s something not right in their head or their heart.
As a professional hunting guide for over 30 years, it sickens me the practice of running over wolves and coyotes in Wyoming for any reason is still legal. It’s unethical, certainly not fair chase and from my view a barbaric practice. The Wyoming state law on this issue should simply be all wildlife should be harvested via fair chase rules and then let the state define exactly what is fair chase.
It’s hard to believe that anyone and especially government representatives would allow the killing of wildlife using a motorized vehicle to run over it several times if necessary to kill it. Where is the humanity in that. Wildlife should be protected, we are taking over their land and killing off the ecosystem. Money the route of all evil. Shame on the Wyoming Legislature for allowing this type of Animal control to be justified. This is not conservation, it’s inhumane slaughter.
Thank You.
These animals do not have a chance against a motorized vehicle, killing them this way needs to end, I am appalled.
Sickening. There something wrong with people who enjoy inflicting suffering on another living being for recreation.
I do hope you can come to have compassion for the Animals that live in your state that you have disgraced.
And i pray for you to seek compassion for your family and friends.
I do hope someday i could talk with you to understand your hatred abd fear of the Animals you have destroyed.
I work with horses every week since 1989.
And cant understand your ways .
Peace to your bodycand soul.
And Rip to the Wolf and i assume many wolves and Animals you have run down in your life .
Real men don’t kill animals this way. Real Christians don’t kill animals this way. This state is 92 percent white and predominantly evangelical, so guess who’s doing all the killing? Hypocrites all, but the Higher Power they claim to follow will take care of them one day, because Jesus sure as heck didn’t preach this ignorance.
Help me understand – exactly what is a real Christian?
Hmmm….
Puzzling why you bring Christianity into this subject? No, most Wyomingites are NOT “Evangelical” or you would see street preachers on every corner.
Exactly. White Christian men. 🤮
It is disgusting to me that anyone would support cruelty to animals in any form. There are better ways to deal with predators that are not inhumane and have been done before snowmobiles. Dragging the creature into town and putting on a display is in no way to handle or protect. That goes beyond to a level of depravity in humans that is insane to think anyone would support or allow. This is just disgusting humans trying to keep a disgusting tradition that is somehow a thing. End it now!
Wow. You guys in Wyoming are scum.
Thank you Wyoming for your constant supply of disappointments and alcoholics. Here’s hoping bill gates turns your states into a nuclear reactor for the rest of the country. Let’s be honest if he didn’t y’all would just keep selling out to oil and coal. Take the cowboy off your flag or put him on his knees like y’all are doing these days for any money. Disgusted to say my father was born in your state.
Wyoming legislators, the world is watching and listening to the BARBARIC, INHUMANE treatment of God’s creatures. Running down and running over wildlife intentionally with snowmobiles or any other means, is satanic and serving the devil. May you be JUDGED by our Great God.
I have grown up in Wyoming and have been here my entire life. I did not support the entry of the wolves into our ecosystem. I feel the wolves were shoved down the people of Wyoming’s throat. I see videos of wolves running down an elk or moose it infuriates me to watch a single animal try to fight off a pack of wolves in deep snow my desire is to kill them to protect the elk. Running one down with a snow machine is not something I would participate in I don’t believe. But I am not protecting livestock in the winter time, or being harassed by Wolves or coyotes. Therefore I do not have an understanding of the situation. Reading this article and thinking about the legislation to ban this activity I have to agree with what was done by the legislators. It boils down the more government, more regulation, more laws to be enforced upon us the people. That’s my problem with this type of legislation. Every time a law is enacted a freedom of choice is taken away. I don’t choose to run an animal down with a snow machine. But you may choose to run an animal down that’s your choice. We have to live with the consequences of our actions. And I believe we need the freedom to do just that. I applaud the legislators that made this decision. It has to do with freedom of choice as much as does cruelty to animals.
Freedom of choice is not the same thing as “freedom to torture.” And that is what is happening. You should have freedom of choice to hunt but not to do it in such an inhumane way. The bill is not taking away the rights or choice of the people – it’s making cruelty and torture illegal! It’s a no brainer! Using snow machines to hunt, torture, and kill animals is absolutely cruel! It’s not hunting! It’s killing! And there should never be a law on the books giving humans the “choice” to torture animals – no matter what! And using snowmobiles to hunt down animals is torture! The state of Wyoming should be ashamed! People of Wyoming should be embarrassed and disgusted with their neighbors and community members and law makers that support this kind of cruelty. I was actually planning a trip to visit Wyoming this summer. However, after reading this article, I’m so disturbed and upset that the State of Wyoming supports and allows torturing animals, I will go elsewhere for my vacation. I’m only one person, and people will say, “Good, don’t need you’re kind visiting Wyoming anyway.” That’s fine. I’m just shocked that people think animal torture is okay. I just can’t believe it! And for those of you thinking I’m a liberal – I’m not. I’m very conservative. But even conservatives are land and animal lovers, and see that this law needs to change! One more thing, you mention wolves chasing down elk is what is “cruel.” No! It is nature! The wolves are hunting for food, using their legs, not snowmobiles! The wolves don’t run the elk down, torture it, then drag it into a local bar for show! Shame on your state and anyone in your state supporting this cruel law!
It amazes me to read of people who grew up in the country be infuriated by nature. To be upset watching a pack of wolves chase and tear into an elk is nature. Same as watching a barn cat chase and catch the mice.
What isn’t natural is chasing to kill predators just crossing a field!
Running down animals on a snowmobile simply for sport is cruelty…and should be avoided, but people should be allowed to protect their own domestic animals from deadly predators. If the most effective way to do that is on a snowmobile, so be it. I’m dismayed by people who have this very mistaken image of wolves. They are deadly apex predators. Imagine a pack of them running amok in your safe suburban neighborhood? Here in Wisconsin, you can get in almost as much trouble for killing a wolf as you would a human being. The wolf population has now far exceeded numbers planned by “environmentalists” and has become a serious problem. The deer herd has been almost completely decimated in most of the northern counties and now domestic animals are on the menu. The wolves are now present in central Wisconsin and are killing domestic beef cattle at an alarming rate. Efforts to get the laughable “Endangered Species” protection lifted and establish a controlled hunting season on wolves are constantly over ruled by activist judges from as far away as California. RIDICULOUS!!! Environmentalist Twinkies should keep there noses out of something they obviously don’t understand.
Cancelled our planned Wyoming fishing trip due to the despicable treatment of Wyoming wildlife
I just canceled our summer vacation to Jackson Hole. It was planned and paid for. Canceled in enough time to get money back. When asked why I was canceling, I said I cannot support anybody that supports using snowmobiles to kill wildlife. The lady I spoke with said she finds it cruel. I replied, I understand she finds it cruel, but her state representatives support it. I’ll take my money elsewhere for a vacation.
Good
I am ashamed of my legislators in Wyoming….so inhumane and backwoods. Governor Gordon you would have had nothing to loose to convince them killing animals is inhumane. Happy you will no longer be Govenor. Instead of the “Cowboy State…signs should read inhumane backwoods state. Be careful where you go!
I’m ashamed of the legislators! This should be banned. This running over animals when they are at their weakest in the winter is disgusting and cruel!! I hate to see suffering of animals. Wyoming looks ridiculous for this not to be banned!!
This is still cruelty at its finest! How about they take their dog or cat that they love and have someone hunt it down and then run it over with a snowmobile to kill it and then tell them its just a type of hunting to get over it!
Trash will continue to be trash! Kill an animal just for the thrill makes for a low life individual!
Oh this is an easy one Sooooooo……you want grizzlies delisted? And you can’t manage to refrain from running over bunnies with snow machines? Annnnnd bringing a wolf to a bar to torture it is a viable means of pest control? Wyoming is quite literally not responsible enough to manage its racoon population in a humane manner
I’m appalled at the brutality of legislators of the beautiful state of Wyoming!!! If u hate wildlife so much..why don’t u move to a place where Men have Already decimated wildlife
.and leave the ones there ALONE!!!!n
I will never understand the cruelty people will inflict on animals for enjoyment. Using snowmobiles to run over wildlife is cruel and inhumane. If ranchers or other citizens if an area occupied by predatory wildlife, are in need of means to protect their livestock, they should work with area conservationist in ways to best protect their livestock. There are many ways to “naturally” protect livestock without lethal means. All federal land, including National Parks, Forest, Grasslands, Wetlands and any other federally protected land should remain secure and not stripped of its resources, this includes protections of all animals within as well as plants and water sources. I am a resident of Texas and we exterminated all predators out of ignorance. Don’t male the same mistake. Wildlife, including predators, have a place and purpose in our ecosystems. Their care and preservation was entrusted into the hands of men, don’t disappoint.
Agree….
Sorry, didn’t know this was a thing. I’ll be sure, though, to give the state of Wyo. a wide berth should I ever seek to spend vacation time in the Rockies.
Already canceled a reallynice ski trip and plans to climb in the Tetons this summer. The only money I spend in WY will be to support animal protection groups that fight in WY
Wyoming has two black eyes!
The only way people in power listen is by threatening their power. Compromise is the next logical step although there isn’t much logic here. We have visited Wyoming over 20 times on vacations; my wife and I were responsible for a Blackfooted Ferret discovery that led to a National Geographic team/ and other orgs finding,trapping and forming a captive breeding program that brought back the species.
We dearly love Wyoming, Been in all of it. Will never return until this is fixed.
This is not the way the people of this proud State act and they have let a fool play his hand on the World stage. Be better. This is not “good ol’ boys” just messing around. This is mental. Fine hell out of this idiot; man up and show this is not what you are as a state. This law was specific, trapping was never in the writings. I also believe there are laws already in place in case your Lab is being attacked; I loved my dogs and would shoot the wolf no doubt. Or run it off. This is not that. This is drunken stupidity that will cost the State millions.