Commission Committed to Reducing Accidental Trapping of Pets

-By Fred Trevey, IDFG Commission Chairman Trapping has long been part of Idaho's outdoor heritage, providing income, recreation, and a connection to wildlife for many citizens through harvest of a renewable natural resource. Unfortunately, we have had some had some instances where domestic dogs have been accidently caught, and in a couple of cases killed in conibear (body-gripping) traps, which are designed to quickly kill target species. Trappers, the Fish and Game Commission and department are committed to finding ways to reduce the accidental catch of dogs. That's why Fish and Game recently convened a series of meetings of regional working groups consisting of trappers and dog owners - including hunting dog owners, to gather points of view and brainstorm ideas. When the Commission met earlier this month, staff presented summaries of the meetings and recommendations suggesting a three prong approach to reduce instances of accidental trapping including: 1) developing some restrictions to the use of body gripping traps; 2) increase access to trapper education, and 3) increase public education on trapping and releasing pets from traps. The Commission directed staff to work on specific proposals for consideration at the Commission's January meeting. Should the Commission select alternatives, they would then go through a formal input process before being considered for adoption by the Commission. Accidental trappings of pets are rare but some recent incidents have made news in some parts of Idaho. Some have used these instances to denounce all trapping. One Idaho newspaper recently called it a "disgusting, barbaric and cruel practice." As chairman of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, I take issue with that. Trapping in Idaho dates back to Native Americans, early French trappers and mountain men, and continues to be a time honored tradition here today. Trappers harvest furbearers such as beaver, bobcat, otters, and marten, and more recently wolves have been added to the list of species that can be legally trapped. Trapping also cultivates stewardship values and encourages another way to learn about wildlife and their habitat. It is a primary tool used to control some species of depredating wildlife and for biologists to capture wildlife for research and management. Two years ago, over 70 percent of the electorate voted to amend the Idaho Constitution enshrining the right to hunt, fish and trap in our state - rights that are part of the fabric of Idaho. It is a tragedy whenever a beloved pet or hunting dog is killed or injured in a trap. Our trappers certainly empathize and so do members of the Commission and department employees. We are committed to finding ways to reduce these unfortunate instances and to do our best to eliminate them altogether. Fish and Game has produced and posted a video on how to release your dog from a trap. It is posted on our trapping and furbearer information page: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=141