Rabbit trapping proposal

[Kain]

Issue 15: Trapping for rabbits and snowshoe hares
Species: Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare
WAC(s): 220-417-010
Background:
Current regulations allow trapping for furbearers and unclassified species only. Cottontail rabbits and
snowshoe hares are classified as game animals and may be hunted but not trapped. See WAC 220-416-
010 for hunting seasons and bag limits. The goal for this change is to increase opportunity by allowing an
additional method of take for cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares.
Only cage and box traps are being considered for harvesting cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares.
Body-gripping traps are prohibited to capture any mammal for recreation or commerce in fur per RCW
77.15.194.
Alternatives:
1. No change.
2. Allow trapping for cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares with box or cage traps.

What do you all think of the proposal?  I would love to set out some traps during elk camp.

[Special T]

I think this will pass. Dont see this as a big point of contention for anyone.

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[wags]

Only if they also allow cage trapping of cougars too.

[Loup Loup]

Pretty much a pointless proposal. While Ive caught hares and rabbits in cages intended for other animals, who would do it on any scale on purpose. I guess its in line with the no bait fishing, barbless hook, three point or better, true spike model in this State. Sell licenses, tags and permit apps, but, furnish very little chance for reducing any game to possession. Its about selling the illusion of oppertunity for success. They will pass this (except for maybe not when they read what I will say next) and then at a later date, while bargaining on another issue they will say," hey, we already gave you rabbit trapping, what more do you want".
Wags hit the nail on the head. If WDFW deems it appropriate to allow trapping as a method of take for a rabbit. Which is a Game animal. The precedence is established for allowing trapping as a method of take for other Game animals ie: Cougar, Bear, Wolf.
I betcha it won't pass now.

[Special T]

Pretty much a pointless proposal. While Ive caught hares and rabbits in cages intended for other animals, who would do it on any scale on purpose. I guess its in line with the no bait fishing, barbless hook, three point or better, true spike model in this State. Sell licenses, tags and permit apps, but, furnish very little chance for reducing any game to possession. Its about selling the illusion of oppertunity for success. They will pass this (except for maybe not when they read what I will say next) and then at a later date, while bargaining on another issue they will say," hey, we already gave you rabbit trapping, what more do you want".
Wags hit the nail on the head. If WDFW deems it appropriate to allow trapping as a method of take for a rabbit. Which is a Game animal. The precedence is established for allowing trapping as a method of take for other Game animals ie: Cougar, Bear, Wolf.
I betcha it won't pass now.

Shhh your last  sentance is  perfect...

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[Loup Loup]

Sad but probably true. I hope WDFW makes a liar out of me on this. And on their dealings with the owners of the game in this State. We'll see.

[KFhunter]

Haul out my 30lb beaver swim through for a bunny?


Ya, no.

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[Humptulips]

WSTA did not oppose this. I think it came about because of requests from the general public. I think the survivalist type.
I have never been approached by a trapper about it.
Cougar trapping? I think that is dead in the water. Insley and his new Commissioners aren't going to let that happen.

[KFhunter]

Bait? 

Have to take the edible portions of course, and trap with inedible portions,  but It'd make good bait.

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[brokentrail]

Box traps work well for rabbits and it will allow the folks in more populated areas to legally trap rabbits that most consider a nuisance.  I don't see any harm in this being allowed.