Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Trapping => Topic started by: saylean on October 01, 2013, 05:09:10 PM

Title: "Flagging" legal for trap attractent?
Post by: saylean on October 01, 2013, 05:09:10 PM: So to my understanding, it is legal, but I wanted to get fellow trappers input.

I am wanting to try some specific bobcat traps this winter and I have been reading online about adding a "flag" to the area of the trap. Meaning, a visual attractor hanging from a tree limb etc 3-6 ft away or so from the trap (which is visible from a distance), but the attractor is not IN the trap, so I would think this would NOT fall under the "bait (in trap) must be hidden from view from raptors" law. The flag is something simple that will move in the wind, (a feather, etc), and since if a raptor went after the flag, it would have no chance in being caught in the cage trap, I am pretty sure this is ok.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: "Flagging" legal for trap attractent?
Post by: lokidog on October 01, 2013, 09:56:33 PM: Doesn't "bait" have to be edible for this to be an issue? What if you hung a piece of ribbon shaped like a feather? Personally, I think you should be OK, but then I'm not a gamie and have way too much common sense sometimes. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: "Flagging" legal for trap attractent?
Post by: Humptulips on October 01, 2013, 11:33:36 PM: Here's what it says.
"Not legal to set Within thirty feet of any exposed meat bait or nonedible game parts which are visible to flying raptors"

So you couldn't use a piece of deer hide within 30 feet of the trap if it was visible to flying raptors. More complicated, the way I read it if you save say a duck wing from your duck hunt has to be 30 feet away, domestic duck anywhere you like.
For me the bait goes in the trap and the trap gets covered but not the bait so it is not visible to flying raptors. Flagging is more tricky because it is visible. I don't use it anyway but if I did I would use artificial material.
There is a concensus among some of the better cat trappers that blue is the best color to attract cats. A lot of guys use blue garland material off the Christmas tree.
Many other things are used bird scare tape, pie pans, dvds, fishing spinners, you name it.

If you really want to use that grouse wing or piece of dried deer hide I'd say go with it but 30 feet away. If a cat gets within 30 feet and you have anything worth while for lure or bait they will find it. If you want to try something close to the trap get some chicken feathers or the like.
I doubt though any body will get their pants in a twist when your using a cage trap either way but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: "Flagging" legal for trap attractent?
Post by: saylean on October 02, 2013, 12:28:17 PM: I would most likely be using a non game item, I.e. some chicken feathers....etc...however, I might just avoid the whole idea as to stay well within the regs.

Thanks for the tips Bruce.

D~