Question to Trappers about Non-target Captures

[Northway]

I have no familiarity with trapping, and I'm wondering what methods experienced trappers use to limit capture of non-target species?

My question arises from the data received on non-target captures by wolf trappers in Idaho. The data was received as part of a FOIA request from an infamous Idaho-based non-profit group.

Here's a link to the info provided by IDFG and summarized by a representative of the non-profit for the 2011/2012 wolf trapping season for anyone who is interested:

http://www.thewildlifenews.com/2013/02/14/state-public-records-request-shows-widespread-capture-and-mortality-of-non-target-animals-related-to-idaho-wolf-trapping-during-20112012-trapping-season/#comments

[Northway]

My other question is how on earth does someone release a moose from a trap without getting his you know what handed to him in the process?

[Hunter Dug]

Typically hooved animals can slip a leg hold jaw style trap.  And very rarely would you see a moose, deer or elk in a snare style trap.

[3nails]

 Had an interesting catch in a muskrat colony trap today. A duck. Left it for the coyotes.

[bearpaw]

It's important to understand your target, wolves are new to trappers, as time passes I would certainly imagine methods will be refined.

I found the comments very interesting, it was pointed out that far more animals are killed by automobiles on the highways than by trappers who are doing the public a service by trying to control the wolf population.

Unfortunately the wolf lovers forced wolves into our modern lower 48 environment, now those wolves must be managed.

[Humptulips]

Trappers can limilt non-targets through several methods. That is why the training classes one has to attend to get a license are so important. Trap pan tension is crucial. It keeps smaller animals then the target specie out of the trap. Beneficial to the trappers too as it keeps that trap working when the non-target runs across it.  If you catch a similar sized animal you should be able to release it unharmed. They've come with that snare system ( forget the name) that allows ungulates to push the snare out of the way when they walk through. Loop  size and height important also. Snares can be very selective. Above all experience is going to tell you where not to set a trap.
All that said it happens from time to time you catch something you can't release like that duck mentioned above. It doesn't happen that often though.
In WA mostly pretty easy to release stuff. I caught a grebe yesterday and released it. Caught several birds in my cages that I turned loose. Can't think of any mammals but I turned a few fish loose.

As for turning a large animal loose it can be a tussle but it can be done. I released an elk once, a couple deer and a couple  cougar but that is in 44 years trapping so it is not an everyday occurence.
It's really a simple procedure. Get a noose or catch pole on their neck and choke them down. When they get close to passing out they get weak. You jump in and cut the snare/ remove the trap and take the noose off. They usually won't leave the catch circle because they have learned that is the limit they can go but when you scare them outside the catch circle and they realize they are free they take off.

[pnwmtnmn]

It's as Bruce said doesn't really happen that often, But you have to be very careful using a noose type tool on any member of the cat family as they have very fragile throats structure.

I've released house cats from Coyote footholds simply by throwing a coat over them, when you gat that trap off their foot they are gone. I have heard off people using sheets of plywood cut in half with hinges holding the two pieces together and a notch at the bottom to release cougars. simply walk down the chain to the trap bringing the trap and foot through the notch and then releaseing the trap. And hope the cougar takes off the other way.

[UrbanTrapper]

Isn't it likely the non-target bobcats and coyotes killed were legally despatched on purpose by the trapper who elected to take and sell their pelts? Is it legal to traps lions in Idaho?

[Humptulips]

Isn't it likely the non-target bobcats and coyotes killed were legally despatched on purpose by the trapper who elected to take and sell their pelts? Is it legal to traps lions in Idaho?

I would think the cats and coyotes caught in wolf traps would be kept.
Lions are another thing. Only state you can legally trap lions is Texas. I should think they could be released unless caught in a snare.

[castor gitter]

Bruce what you're referring to are called snare diverters. They are #9 wire perpendicular to the loop. Its built into the snare support. Idea is that elk/moose come along and but it outta the way with chest instead of getting foot caught. Ok for mulies, whitetails are to similar sized to a wolf so their trails should be avoided. That combined with a breakaway is what's used for Idaho wolves.

To touch on the too new idea about wolves.... I took the mandatory class in Idaho and if people are making lotsa non target no catches then they are lazy or are just careless... They go over what to do in order to avoid em. But yes accidents happen. We can minimize the risk though. Most that have issues never trapped before the wolf season came in my mind... In my class most had never trapped or left the sport awhile ago... So basically novices all around. That leads to issues. They just wanna get em elk killers!

To generalize for all species..... Type of set, location, bait, lure, etc.... Much of the learning is hands on. Just needa be careful and think things through.