The proposed text of the ballot was as follows: “I-177 generally prohibits the use of traps and snares for animals on any public lands within Montana and establishes misdemeanor criminal penalties for violations of the trapping prohibitions. I-177 allows the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to use certain traps on public land when necessary if nonlethal methods have been tried and found ineffective. I-177 allows trapping by public employees and their agents to protect public health and safety, protect livestock and property, or conduct specified scientific and wildlife management activities. I-177, if passed by the electorate, will become effective immediately.
I-177 reduces approximately $61,380 of state funds annually, resulting from a loss of trapping license revenue. In addition, the state will incur other costs associated with monitoring wolf populations and hiring additional full-time employees at the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
[ ] YES on Initiative I-177
[ ] NO on Initiative I-177”
Source for Popular Vote data: Montana Secretary of State. Statewide General Election Canvass, Montana Secretary of State (https://sos.mt.gov/Portals/142/Elections/archives/2010s/2016/2016GeneralStatewideCanvass.pdf) (accessed 16 Dec 2017)