Post by: pastormike on December 29, 2016, 10:09:17 PM
What are some examples of legal trap sets in WA?
I know it may seem like a stupid question but I am reading ambiguous language in the rules and other places about how to trap in WA such as this pub from wdfa: http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00513/wdfw00513.pdf
It seems as though their are no traps left to legally use! :bash:
Also, What's the deal with unclassified animals and trapping them?
If unclassified animals may be taken with any weapon (such as an air rifle, or a rock) a trap must also classify as such a weapon-correct?
So, a person may be a trapper of unclassified animals without obtaining license to do so?
It seems my best choice is to go get the $300 Oregon trappers license and spend time down there rather than even try here in WA. Am I missing something?
WA trapping seems to have been hi-jacked by philosophies contrary to her benefit.
Thanks for any help...an example of what one of you folks do on a daily basis (legal sets) during general season would be helpful.
My apologies if this has been covered elsewhere...
Thnx,
mike
Post by: pnwmtnmn on December 29, 2016, 11:18:57 PM
Bruce, correct me I'm wrong there.
A legal trap set in Wash. is a cage or suitcase type of trap. A person may not use a trap that grips or puncture the animal when set off. So cages is what we are stuck with and there are many different types of cages. And we are coming up with different cages and ways to set them every day. Come to the winter Rondy in Elma There should be some examples there, some should be for sale also.
The regs are word heavy and confusing, but we have definitions of the definitions.
Don't give up on trapping here we are catching more fur every year (that we want to).
keep asking questions and we will keep answering them.
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on December 29, 2016, 11:27:00 PM
Post by: pnwmtnmn on December 29, 2016, 11:30:55 PM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on December 30, 2016, 12:01:04 AM
Post by: Humptulips on December 30, 2016, 12:09:35 AM
I believe that if you set a cage trap for an animal in Wa. you have to have a trapping license, unless you are the property owner and are removing a problem animal, you do not get to transplant that animal to another place.
Bruce, correct me I'm wrong there.
A legal trap set in Wash. is a cage or suitcase type of trap. A person may not use a trap that grips or puncture the animal when set off. So cages is what we are stuck with and there are many different types of cages. And we are coming up with different cages and ways to set them every day. Come to the winter Rondy in Elma There should be some examples there, some should be for sale also.
The regs are word heavy and confusing, but we have definitions of the definitions.
Don't give up on trapping here we are catching more fur every year (that we want to).
keep asking questions and we will keep answering them.
That pretty much says it all. The wording in the RCW actually specifies what we can use, Cage and box traps, suitcase type beaver traps and rat and mouse traps. Everything else is illegal to use with the exceptions for certain traps under the Special Trapping permits.
Unclassified wildlife has always been open to trapping with legal traps year around. Wording in the regs on that seemed to disappear and after trying unsuccessfully to find a WAC that covered that I asked for a clarification. After assurance that yes it was Ok to trap them year around I was promised by The Furbearer Section Manager she would send me a link to the applicable WAC. Nothing yet from them and it has been quite a while.
Still I think you are OK to trap unclassified wildlife when ever because I can find no law prohibiting it. I still would like to hear that from the Department. I'll have to jump them about t again.
I understand your frustration with trapping in WA. I trapped for several years in OR rather then caging here in WA. I found however that taking time off to go out of State could be a problem and tried the cages a little and gradually worked into them.
It is a steep learning curve for an experienced trapper but it can be done. Prices are such now that we are all doing it for the fun and a catch in a cage is just as much fun as coni or foot trap or snare. 5 months of season too so if you like to get out in the winter you can probably get all the fun you can stand.
Post by: pastormike on December 30, 2016, 11:23:53 PM
Post by: bear hunter on December 31, 2016, 04:20:28 PM
Thanks everyone! I suppose I have a better perspective now. Your comments are encouraging!:tup: I just got into it last season. Alway wanted to but they outlawed the foot holds, and coni. So I didn't follow through with the trapping. It wasn't until April 3 years ago I got the bug bad. I sarted making 15x18x48 pan traps and baught 2 china traps. I trapped my first bobcat in the 11x12x36 china cage trap. He messed it up pritty good. After that I made bigger traps and looked for good traps on craigslist. Found 100.00 dollar traps for 15.00 to 35.00 with little to no use. Then moved to coni trigger spring door traps. Now all I like to make are coni. Triggers traps. I love making swim thru's and land traps. Something about make and catching the game your after. Well I hope the legal crap don't scare you away. Lol I think I need help or at least I stay off the for traps sale sites. Lol I have to many traps. No I will not sell them. Lol good luck This time of year all I have on my mind is Beaver and cats. :bash: