The proposed rule would extend the time period by which any person must visit every snare placed for gray wolves to not exceed 192 hours (8 days) for that portion of Game Management Unit 7 including and upstream from the Gold Creek and Mosquito Creek drainages, and in Game Management Unit 9.
If approved, the proposed rule would only apply between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15. Snares are set with the intention of being quickly lethal to a captured wolf. The proposed rule would not apply to foothold traps.
Because of the limited winter access in these remote units, it is impractical for most trappers to run a trap line in compliance with the current 72-hour requirement. Because snares are typically lethal very quickly, the 72-hour check frequency is unnecessary. The Jan. 1 through Feb. 15 period is designed to reduce possible conflicts with other people using those areas.
If adopted by the Fish and Game Commission as a proposed rule, the rule must be upheld by the 2019 Legislature, and earliest it could take affect would be Jan. 1, 2020.
People wishing to comment on the proposal can do so on the public comment page.