Op-Ed: Trapping Accidents Best Reduced Through Education, not Restrictions

By Fred Trevey, Chairman, Idaho Fish and Game Commission In Idaho, trapping is a constitutional right. Despite that a recent editorial in an Idaho newspaper said the Idaho Fish and Game Commission should have restricted that right based on a couple of instances last year where dogs were accidently caught and killed in body-gripping conibear traps. Make no mistake, Fish and Game Commissioners and trappers empathize with the owners of those dogs, but we feel it is better to use education, rather than restrictions to prevent these kinds of unfortunate occurrences from happening in the future. The Commission last month directed Fish and Game staff to work with trappers to develop a proposal requiring trapper education for all trappers in Idaho. Commissioners believe the proposed mandatory trapper education course should include instruction in ethics and best practices on how and where traps are placed on the landscape. This should help to reduce instances of dogs and other non-targeted species being caught not only in conibear-type traps, but foothold traps and snares as well. Mandatory hunter education became a requirement in Idaho more than three decades ago, in part to stem the number of hunting-related accidents that were occurring in our state - and it worked. The accident rate has dropped significantly over the years and new hunters go afield trained to be safe, to respect the rights of others, and to conduct themselves responsibly. The vast majority of trappers conduct themselves responsibly too and the Commission is confident that like hunter education, trapper education will make a difference. Trapping in Idaho dates back hundreds of years and continues to be a time honored tradition here today. Trappers harvest furbearers such as beaver, bobcat, otter, 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 that impact the agricultural and ranching communities and for biologists to capture wildlife for research and management. It's worth noting that two years ago, 75 percent of Idaho voters approved the constitutional amendment protecting the right to hunt, fish and trap in Idaho and it is important for all of us to respect each other's rights on the land. For more information on how to recognize traps on the landscape, and how to release your dog from a trap, please visit Fish and Game's website at: fishandgame.idaho.gov/trap