Question 1 Debate

Question 1 was a 1996 Ballot Initiative presented to Massachusetts’ voters. There were three essential goals of Question 1. First, it banned certain body-gripping traps by statute (body-gripping included footholds and snares) and severely restricted conibear-style traps. Second, it removed the requirement that members of the state’s Wildlife Board hold hunting, fishing or trapping licenses. (This was an attempt to remove the dedication to sportsmen’s interests in wildlife regulations). Finally, Question 1 banned certain forms of hunting such as hunting bears with dogs. It shouldn’t be any surprise that the whole campaign was marketed as “Ban Cruel Traps” and was supported with significant funding from the Humane Society of the United States.

I, Stephen M. Vantassel, owned Wildlife Removal Service, Inc. in Springfield, MA during that time. I was actively opposing the ballot initiative because it would essentially damage wildlife management and increase the cost of handling human-wildlife conflicts. I reached out to Dan Yorke, at the time a talk show host on Channel 40 ABC, Springfield, to dedicate a show to the subject. He agreed and reached out to Peter Teraspulsky an original signatory of the Ballot Initiative to join the conversation.

The video below is the clip of the show where we had our discussion. As you can see, Mr. Yorke wasn’t that interested, but I am glad that at least I had the opportunity to defend scientific wildlife management and to show the irrationality of the animal rights protest industry. Enjoy.  For additional information on the foolishness of Question 1, visit Question 1.  Or you can purchase a copy of my book, Dominion over Wildlife? An Environmental-Theology of Human-Wildlife Relations (2009, Wipf and Stock). 

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.