(United States Department of Agriculture) handle control actions like collaring and livestock kills already.”

The Livestock Loss Board publically commented on the proposal along with 50,000 individuals. Edwards said the board is seeking greater involvement in the process.

The Livestock Loss Board was created to address economic loss due to wolf predation and to create incentives for producers to take proactive, preventative steps to decrease the risk of loss.

“We are looking for a seat at the table,” Edwards said of his board.

Derrick Goldman, Northern Rockies field representative for the Endangered Species Coalition, said he was disappointed to not see a stamp offered this year.

“I think it’s a great idea to get more wildlife funding when money at the state level is shrinking,” Goldman said. “For people involved in non-consumptive wildlife activities, this was a creative way to get involved.”

Goldman said hunters already contribute to wildlife habitat in numerous ways, such at the Pittman-Robertson tax, which taxes items such as ammunition.

The stamp concept is similar to the Federal Duck Stamp. Created in 1934, the stamp has raised more than $800 million and led to the acquisition of more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat.

Goldman said the stamp would benefit all wildlife, including elk and deer. He believes opposition to the stamp is overstated and largely the product of a vocal minority.

“With a greater decline in hunting on the state and national level, they need support from sportsmen and non-sportsmen alike,” Goldman said. “As for this leading to outside control…I don’t know if paranoia is the right word.”

Jeff Hagener, Fish, Wildlife & Parks director, said he will look to gather representatives with various views on the stamp sometime this fall in an effort to establish common ground.

“The large number and variety of public comments shows a need to further discuss the concept,” said Ron Aasheim, spokesman for Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena. “With so many different points-of-view expressed, many unanswered questions and divergent expectations remain. We want to get this right the first time, and don’t want to compromise the obvious potential of offering an opportunity to those who don’t hunt and fish the chance to contribute to wildlife management.”