ID anti-trapping rule proposal

[Humptulips]

Anti trapping rule proposal being submitted to our Fish and Game commission. Rule would require signs to placed 20 feet from all traps near trails. Please read link below to submit your comments to the email by May 6th. Thanks! Rusty

Commission is taking public comments through May 6 on petitions to require signs to be posted near traps. Individual emails have been set up to take comments related to each petition.

Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/fg-commission-meeting-teleconference-may-14
F&G commission meeting via teleconference at 9 a.m. MDT on May 14
By Brian Pearson, Conservation Public Information Specialist
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 - 10:22 AM MDT
In lieu of public hearing, comments can be submitted via email
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet via teleconference at 9 a.m. (MDT) May 14.

The Commission is scheduled to consider directing of funds for the Wolf Depredation Control Board, approving three property transactions, and whether to move forward with rule making after receiving petition to require signage near traps. The Commission will also receive various updates from Fish and Game staff.

See the full agenda and supporting material.

In accordance with the Governor's orders regarding COVID-19, public will not be allowed to attend the May meeting in person, but may listen in or watch the teleconference remotely:

Online event address for attendees: https://idfg.webex.com/idfg/onstage/g.php?MTID=e805f3c45a4ddca5e6899dc09...
Event number: 962 371 254
Event password: meeting

Audio conference: +1-408-418-9388
Access code: 962-371-254

There will be no opportunity for in-person attendance or public comment or questions during the meeting.

People should note that there will not be a public hearing prior to the May 14 meeting. However, to allow continued public involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of a public hearing, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission is taking public comments for the meeting via email.

The comment period is currently open and runs through midnight (MDT), May 6. Individual emails have been set up to take comments related to each petition for rulemaking the commission received, with a third email address set up for anything other comments about anything else related to the Commission’s May agenda or other Fish and Game matters.

The email address are:

SignsNearTraps@idfg.idaho.gov

[Bango skank]

Anti hunters would just love it if trappers had to post signs, that would make it easy for them to disable / steal traps.  What a joke.

[Loup Loup]

Thanks for posting this Humptulips.
If possible, could you post this on the wolf board? I have too much Leadite in me to post it.
This is a bad proposal for all trapping, but, would make wolf trapping in alot of locations either an open invitation to have your $100 plus wolf gear stolen, or would make the wolf set impractical and ineffective.
It hasent been proven yet that wolves can read signs, but it is a fact that most wolves would spook from the posted sign in their area. In Idaho we already have set backs from roads, trails, campgrounds, trailheads. Myself and many other wolf trappers post signs at road junctures on their traplines to inform that traps are beyond signs. I have a mailbox in my camp (no cell service), if anyone in the area has a question they can leave me a note and their contact info. The Idaho trappers assoc puts on classes to show people how to release their dog from a trap. Trappers are being proactive on this issue. We dont need to be hobbled by more restrictions.
Please let the commission know your take on this issue.

[Colville]

Wouldn't it be better to mandate a greater distance from trails rather than add notices to them?

[Loup Loup]

Your assuming theres a problem here. If anything there could be a problem with free ranging dogs. A dog doesnt care how far from a trail hes runnin. If his owner kept him on a leash he could not get close enough to a trap to get caught. The hound hunters where Im at know wolf traps are in the area. Everyone Ive spoke with is happy someone is out there catching wolves, as they dont run their hounds in the areas I trap because of the wolves habit of hunting and killing baying hounds.

[idaho guy]

Thanks for posting. That’s a terrible idea for reasons already mentioned but I think especially theft. I will definitely comment and spread the word on this

[UrbanTrapper]

I gave it my best shot.  Below is what I emailed in. I'm posting it to help others who want to send in an email.  I'm sure others can add other good points and correct me where I was wrong.  Please do. I have thick skin.   

 "I completely oppose the proposed requirement that signs be posted near traps that are set near trails.  This is clearly a proposal from unreasonable people that oppose trapping (and want it ended) wrapped in an emotional appeal.  It cannot be justified. 

  I imagine anti-trappers would TRY to justify it as a threat to pet dogs, but aren’t dogs on public land currently required to be leashed or under their owner’s control?  Dogs that are running free and uncontrolled will never be safe from predators and the many OTHER hazards in the outdoors. Uncontrolled dogs are a threat to wildlife, other dogs that are properly controlled and people recreating on public land.  Also, free running dogs are a major source of stress to wildlife even if the wildlife is not killed or injured directly.  Dogs should be leashed or under control when on public land.  Dog owners who choose not to leash their dogs should educate themselves on how to free their dogs from traps.  Those attempting to justify the requirement might claim that it is not an unreasonable burden on trappers because it would only apply to traps near trails, as if most traps are usually set far away from trails.  As a trapper, I can say that fur-bearers and other wildlife USUALLY travel game trails, hiking trails and roads, especially in winter time, and trappers trap along these trails extensively for just that reason.

   As a trapper I also have traps stolen, damaged, set-off and have animals illegally released every year by anti-trappers who feel they are entitled to break the law to make themselves feel good. These days a trap like the Koro beaver trap can cost in excess of $200 each and wolf traps can cost over $100 each.  A signage law would further encourage people like this to think THEY are morally right when they take action against trappers. The signs would serve as an invitation and a provocation to these anti-trappers and needlessly alarm other people who would otherwise just continue on their way as they have throughout Idaho’s history.

  Idaho NEEDS trappers to help control wolves and manage other fur-bearers.  I understand that Idaho especially needs wolf trappers to shoulder the expenses to go deep into its interior ‘predator pit’ to try to manage its wolf over-population. These days the low prices of fur do not allow trappers to fund themselves and every new regulatory requirement is an additional expense of money and time.  Idaho needs State wildlife officials and conservationists to have the courage to stand up to the well funded anti-trappers and say, “No.”

[Loup Loup]

Urban trapper: Dang thats good. You've given me some ideas for when I respond this eve.
Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[bearpaw]

Wouldn't it be better to mandate a greater distance from trails rather than add notices to them?

Actually mountain roads and trails are what many predators travel. Trappers need to be able to trap wolves, coyotes, etc., where those animals travel.

[wags]

Wouldn't it be better to mandate a greater distance from trails rather than add notices to them?

Why? No trapper is going to set his trap right on a hiking trail. What is the problem they are trying to fix?

[Bango skank]

Wouldn't it be better to mandate a greater distance from trails rather than add notices to them?

Why? No trapper is going to set his trap right on a hiking trail. What is the problem they are trying to fix?

I sat on a wolf trap right at the intersection of 2 main usfs roads on new years day in idaho.  People do trap right along roads and trails, because wolves travel them.

[idaho guy]

Wouldn't it be better to mandate a greater distance from trails rather than add notices to them?

Why? No trapper is going to set his trap right on a hiking trail. What is the problem they are trying to fix?

I sat on a wolf trap right at the intersection of 2 main usfs roads on new years day in idaho.  People do trap right along roads and trails, because wolves travel them.

 

  wolves use the roads constantly in the winter.

[bearpaw]

Wouldn't it be better to mandate a greater distance from trails rather than add notices to them?

Why? No trapper is going to set his trap right on a hiking trail. What is the problem they are trying to fix?

I sat on a wolf trap right at the intersection of 2 main usfs roads on new years day in idaho.  People do trap right along roads and trails, because wolves travel them.

 

  wolves use the roads constantly in the winter.

 

[ibuyre]

Email sent opposing it. As a trapper and a bird hunter that runs a bird dog. Saying that it's not about protecting dogs. I love dogs. It's about letting people know where traps are so they can destroy or steal them. And after they stop trapping they will stop hunting, then fishing and then anything outdoors. It's about control, and controlling the lives of others, please don't let them control my trapping, you will never make them happy until everyone is out of the woods (and by that I mean anywhere other than in the city). Or something to that effect.

[Machias]

REJECTED by a vote of 6-0.