Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Trapping => Topic started by: bearpaw on January 02, 2012, 06:49:45 AM

Title: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bearpaw on January 02, 2012, 06:49:45 AM: I am trying to influence the hiring of additional "experienced" trappers to help confirm wolves in Washington. I'm wondering how many "experienced" coyote trappers are out there who think they could trap wolves with a little advice and training on best methods?
Title: Re: Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: MtnMuley on January 02, 2012, 06:58:18 AM: I don't think they'd be too appreciative of the trapping method I would use for wolves. They would be a " hanging out" for an extended period of time. :) Also, with our non-gripping laws, caging a wolf would be near impossible. :twocents:
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bearpaw on January 02, 2012, 07:09:54 AM: If you were working as an agent of the state you are exempt from the body gripping laws. I am told the state is using padded leg hold traps to catch wolves.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: boneaddict on January 02, 2012, 07:15:12 AM: Trap to kill I would be in(nuisance critters). Trap to relocate or confirm, don't have the time or resources.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bearpaw on January 02, 2012, 07:59:27 AM: This photo has been cropped and focused close so you can see the type of trap used for catching and confirming wolves by the WDFW. The first step to getting wolf management in Washington is to get these wolves confirmed, we need more "expereinced" trappers on the WDFW payroll.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: billythekidrock on January 02, 2012, 07:59:40 AM: I wonder if "Aldrich" type snares would work for wolves. It might be an easier sell than leghold.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: Feanix on January 02, 2012, 12:09:36 PM: I think you guys are missing the point (except bone). They are already using legholds to confirm wolves/bps. Bearpaw and WFW are lobbying to get more e perienced trappers hired to help with this process. Not looking for a debate of washington trapping laws, but people who have the experience in canine trapping that are willing to trap and confirm wolf numbers.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: Machias on January 02, 2012, 12:28:20 PM: I have plenty of experience with catching yotes and every other furbearer with legholds. I have attended the 8 hour wolf trapping class conducted by the ID Fish and Game. However since you need to be able to check your traps a couple of times a day, for catching, collaring and releasing them unharmed, there is no way I would have time to do it.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: Machias on January 02, 2012, 12:30:06 PM: Also there is a GREAT DVD and Book put out by the Alaskan Trapper's Association just on wolf trapping that has lots of great sets detailed. It's a must have for anyone trying to trap these very smart and elusive critters.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bob maier on January 02, 2012, 02:22:03 PM: I don't think the game dept has alot of extra money right now,with all the belt tightening caused by the economy. That being said I seriously doubt the game dept would hire any wolf trappers. If they do let me know as I have a friend who has trapped wolves in alaska that could be available.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: jackelope on January 02, 2012, 02:43:19 PM: Quote from: bearpaw on January 02, 2012, 07:59:27 AM
This photo has been cropped and focused close so you can see the type of trap used for catching and confirming wolves by the WDFW. The first step to getting wolf management in Washington is to get these wolves confirmed, we need more "expereinced" trappers on the WDFW payroll.
Is that the pic with Niemeyer in it? If not there's that pic too confirming the use of leghold traps.

My buddy from AK used to run a trap line for wolves and explained to me how difficult it was to catch them up there. Says they're very smart and will avoid the snare traps they used to run for them. I'm sure based on that it's no walk in the park...plus like Machias said, it takes a lot of spare time that a lot of folks don't have.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bearpaw on January 02, 2012, 04:26:21 PM: The WDFW is broke. In my opinion they should lay off some of the people involved in the endangered species division now that they got their wolf plan passed and hire trppers to confirm wolves. This way there is no net loss to wildlife management and no increase in their budget, plus the state gets wolves confirmed.

Nobody is talking about it much yet, but we are documenting wolf sightings left and right here on the forum and WDFW is falling farther behind on the true wolf count with no visible intent shown to increase their efforts to monitor wolves. :bash:

People need to pressure WDFW to do the job they promised to do in the plan. :twocents:

jackelope, it's not Niemeyer in the photo, but probably the same wolf you are thinking of.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bugs n bones on January 02, 2012, 05:15:47 PM: Hey Bearpaw look up mike matney over in your area he knows what hes doing!!
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bearpaw on January 02, 2012, 05:43:47 PM: Quote from: hatchetjack on January 02, 2012, 05:15:47 PM
Hey Bearpaw look up mike matney over in your area he knows what hes doing!!

I know Mike, he traps Alaska for wolves, I'm pretty sure he'd offer advice, but he's probably pretty busy with his businesses.
I was hoping to see some trappers on here that had an interest. It would be nice if we could say these trappers around the state are available. There is a guy here in Colville that's wanting to do it.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: Hannibal on January 02, 2012, 05:57:15 PM: I could,,,,,,,,,,,,, I have earned my "wolfer" status on coyotes in years past...... if the money is right i will play,,,,,,
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: seth30 on January 02, 2012, 05:59:45 PM: Quote from: Hannibal on January 02, 2012, 05:57:15 PM
I could,,,,,,,,,,,,, I have earned my "wolfer" status on coyotes in years past...... if the money is right i will play,,,,,,
Can you make another one of your awesome videos on trapping? Watching your last video on the beaver set up made me think of getting into trapping :tup:
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bob maier on January 02, 2012, 06:51:51 PM: I dont think the game dept is gonna hire trappers to do this. No money means no trappers. Thinking they will lay off people so they can hire trappers is not gonna happen.sorry but just my opinion.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: Humptulips on January 02, 2012, 07:10:39 PM: Quote from: bob maier on January 02, 2012, 06:51:51 PM
I dont think the game dept is gonna hire trappers to do this. No money means no trappers. Thinking they will lay off people so they can hire trappers is not gonna happen.sorry but just my opinion.

Bobs got it right. This would be a full time job and it would be hard to get anyone if there is no compensation. Just buying the right equipment would be costly not to mention all the vehicle expenses.

You think the WDFW is broke but there was talk of them hiring a couple new biologists late last year. I don't know if they did it but for sure they could afford a trapper. It 's just a question of where their priorities are.
Might even be able to get a grant for it beings it is endangered species.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: Hawgdawg on January 02, 2012, 11:04:57 PM: I think they should raise the cost of Hunting and Fishing tags so we can hire some trappers to tell us what we already know. Maybe they could get some of the dead wood employees of the wdfw off the internet and go out in the woods and earn their keep!
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: whitey on January 03, 2012, 12:56:12 AM: Piece of cake.
Neck Snare.. :yike:
WTF you didnt say if they needed a pulse or not... :dunno:
:chuckle:
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: rasbo on January 03, 2012, 04:12:01 AM: let the ranchers or beef industry and guides put some money up so they can monitor the wolf here,In oregon they put a lot of loot up for it,not sure about the guides there..collar and monitor.Those pushing so hard for the wolf should cough up a bunch for the same,all pooled together.Monitor their every step...Im not sure the pro wolf side would want that..
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: bearpaw on January 03, 2012, 05:31:59 AM: Quote from: Humptulips on January 02, 2012, 07:10:39 PM
Quote from: bob maier on January 02, 2012, 06:51:51 PM
I dont think the game dept is gonna hire trappers to do this. No money means no trappers. Thinking they will lay off people so they can hire trappers is not gonna happen.sorry but just my opinion.

Bobs got it right. This would be a full time job and it would be hard to get anyone if there is no compensation. Just buying the right equipment would be costly not to mention all the vehicle expenses.

You think the WDFW is broke but there was talk of them hiring a couple new biologists late last year. I don't know if they did it but for sure they could afford a trapper. It 's just a question of where their priorities are.
Might even be able to get a grant for it beings it is endangered species.

Totally agree with Bob, I was suggesting my opinion of a way they could afford trappers, we all know that isn't happening.... :chuckle:

I would imagine the agency will find a way to pay for the things they want, like more biologists to monitor some moth or frog. It appears now that we are stuck with their wolf plan, there seems to be no incentive to confirm wolves. The longer this takes, the more wolves they will be allowing in WA, so the 15 bp's will actually end up being many many more, just as everyone feared.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: boneaddict on January 03, 2012, 07:36:21 AM: I almost made a post yesterday but it wasn't very positive so I refrained. Essentially it hit what your latter point was. "them wanting to confirm". I highly doubt its much of a priority.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: boneaddict on January 03, 2012, 07:38:30 AM: Honestly I think its too late. Poision and all out warfare would be needed now, and obviously it won't ever come to that. Between that and the treaties, we can kiss it good bye.
Title: Re: Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?
Post by: TeacherMan on January 03, 2012, 04:38:53 PM: I'll make a deal with you, get fish and game to make a position for me that pays as much as a teacher and they can have an experienced AK trapper, I'll be down in a week ;) I can catch wolves, especially wolves that are not use to being pursued.