Dear Editor:

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is considering a very bad proposal that will cause further harm to America's last wild bison population, the beloved bison of the Yellowstone herds. These wild buffalo already suffer constant harassment, abuse and killing.The wild bison of the Yellowstone region are America's last continuously wild population and number fewer than 3,600 individuals. Wild bison are ecologically extinct in North America, occupying less than 1 percent of their historic habitat. Yet, for decades now, the wild bison of the Yellowstone region have been abused and killed by Montana - with federal help - to appease cattle interests. The latest proposal by the Montana FWP Commission compounds existing harmful mismanagement.FWP Commissioner Ron Moody should be commended, as he is the only Commissioner who has been actively, vocally opposed to this latest scheme. Commissioner Moody recognizes the unethical aspects of this proposal that aims to set up hunters as "snipers who would be assigned to kill bison simply because they walk across a line."The FWP Commission's proposal sets up a firing-line style bison kill program. Montana tried this in the 80's and 90's and it earned them a huge black eye from the American public, ending the hunt.The FWP Commission should take Moody's lead - for the buffalo and for Montana's reputation - and reject this proposal. Instead, the FWP Commission should take on the meaningful and important task of helping naturally restore wild bison in Montana and throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.FWP is accepting public comments on this proposal through February 13, so you, too, can be a voice for America's last wild buffalo. Send your comments to

fwpcomm@mt.gov.Michele Beckett921 Germans Road,Lehighton