![\"Jerry\"](\"http:\/\/lastbestnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kustich-mug.jpeg\")
<\/a>Jerry Kustich<\/p><\/div>\n
This challenge has been settled several times on behalf of the public in Montana\u2019s courts, and Kennedy\u2019s position is a matter of public record. However, Thomas was let go by DU because, as stated by DU editorial director Matt Young, \u201cwe simply cannot condone this type of vitriol directed by one of our contributing editors toward a dedicated DU volunteer, who is among the nation\u2019s most ardent and active waterfowl conservationists.\u201d<\/p>\n
Apparently, when it comes to criticism, certain people, as deemed by Ducks Unlimited, are off-limits. One can only assume that this has to do with James Kennedy\u2019s wealth.<\/p>\n
No one can deny the good work Ducks Unlimited does for waterfowl habitat throughout the country, but on another level the organization would be well advised to do a bit of collective soul searching. Although its membership is made up of average individuals who depend upon public access opportunities for hunting, one of DU\u2019s \u201cmost ardent conservationists\u201d is a big-time anti-access proponent that has caused years of continuing consternation among the residents of Montana.<\/p>\n
On this point, Ducks Unlimited could learn a lesson from Trout Unlimited. When National Trout Unlimited advised its Montana membership to back off active opposition to the stream access court challenge by Kennedy a few years ago, there was a vigorous protest throughout the state and around the country among its grassroots members.<\/p>\n
Many suspected that the national edict came from the organization\u2019s wealthy backers. Trout Unlimited\u2019s national board of directors eventually relented when it got the message\u2014loud and clear\u2014of how important the access issue was to the general TU membership. In the same spirit, I would urge Ducks Unlimited supporters to protest the silencing of this veteran DU writer for speaking out in support of their public access.<\/p>\n
Make no mistake, the Montana Constitution clearly establishes that the state\u2019s fish and wildlife belong to the people. Also, the state has helped define legal points of entry where the people can gain access their resource.<\/p>\n
![\"CapreAir_Variable\"](\"http:\/\/lastbestnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/201703_capeair_variable.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>The bone of contention is that Kennedy and his ilk have embarked upon a concerted effort to take away these legal points of entry for no other reason than to enhance their own private interests. But whenever these challenges to the people\u2019s constitutional rights do occur, there is a moral imperative that individuals, recreationists, chambers of commerce, and groups like Trout Unlimited, Audubon, Ducks Unlimited, etc., raise a strong voice of protest. And speaking out freely about what is right should be done without fear of repercussion.<\/p>\n