Anti trapping rule proposal being submitted to our Fish and Game commission. Rule would require signs to placed 20 feet from all traps near trails. Please read link below to submit your comments to the email by May 6th. Thanks! Rusty

Commission is taking public comments through May 6 on petitions to require signs to be posted near traps. Individual emails have been set up to take comments related to each petition.

Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/fg-commission-meeting-teleconference-may-14
F&G commission meeting via teleconference at 9 a.m. MDT on May 14
By Brian Pearson, Conservation Public Information Specialist
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 - 10:22 AM MDT
In lieu of public hearing, comments can be submitted via email
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet via teleconference at 9 a.m. (MDT) May 14.

The Commission is scheduled to consider directing of funds for the Wolf Depredation Control Board, approving three property transactions, and whether to move forward with rule making after receiving petition to require signage near traps. The Commission will also receive various updates from Fish and Game staff.

See the full agenda and supporting material.

In accordance with the Governor's orders regarding COVID-19, public will not be allowed to attend the May meeting in person, but may listen in or watch the teleconference remotely:

Online event address for attendees: https://idfg.webex.com/idfg/onstage/g.php?MTID=e805f3c45a4ddca5e6899dc09...
Event number: 962 371 254
Event password: meeting

Audio conference: +1-408-418-9388
Access code: 962-371-254

There will be no opportunity for in-person attendance or public comment or questions during the meeting.

People should note that there will not be a public hearing prior to the May 14 meeting. However, to allow continued public involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of a public hearing, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission is taking public comments for the meeting via email.

The comment period is currently open and runs through midnight (MDT), May 6. Individual emails have been set up to take comments related to each petition for rulemaking the commission received, with a third email address set up for anything other comments about anything else related to the Commission’s May agenda or other Fish and Game matters.

The email address are:

SignsNearTraps@idfg.idaho.gov

They tried to get the same stuff through the Oregon Game Commission a couple of years ago. We got it snuffed though.

I'll be sending e-mail.

Every trapper from every state should be sending a email. This is open for response from everyone.

All I can say Idaho is do not get to comfortable one stops another attack is on it way that is a predictable pattern.

I eMailed this:

Public trails are multiple use corridors that benefit hikers, dog owners, and others including trappers. Just as trappers have responsibilities, so do persons who hike with dogs.

Posted signs near traps would be eyesores, would be tantamount to prejudging trappers as guilty, and likely would result in increased disturbance of traps by others.

I suggest that hikers be advised to keep their dogs in sight. If there becomes more than an occasional trapped dog Idaho could offer a leaflet on how to release a dog from a trap.

Keep your dog on a leash, you are not at home. Not all people like dogs.

I sent an email



Hello,

I'm against signs placed by traps. This will increase theft, damage, and disturbance of legally licensed trappers.  I understand that this is public  land and trails are used by many people including trappers, hunters, and hikers. I feel everyone has a responsibility to keep control of domestic animals by leash. As a trapper I take precautions to not catch domestic animals, but I can not control all the actions of others that do not control their animals by letting them run free. Hunters have a responsibility of knowing what they are shooting at. Hikers have the responsibility of using a leash. Signs could be posted in parking areas or trail heads stating all the activities that take place on this land. We are required to know the laws of the outdoor activity we take part in, I feel hikers,and dog owners should also.


Dusty

Minnesota trapper 

Done

Done

Who has a leash on a bird dog while hunting?

You are kind asking a lot of dog owners,,
Most of dogs are smarter than there owners.
It's a world of every bodies fault but there own is what is happening.
Kind of like pushing a rope uphill.
Tell idaho trappers assoc. To give montana's assoc. A call .
We ended up with a lot regulation over it,, and once we did it's been a up hill battle every since imo.

Rightly so, signs next to trap sets simply invite theft and/or vandalism. All that should be necessary and reasonable, to warn the public that traps are set in a general area, is signage at entrances to these trapping areas.

Furthermore BG killing traps should never be used ON THE GROUND where you can reasonably expect the public and their pets to frequent the area, unless within a dog proof container/box or an elevated set. If doing so you are just asking for problems.

BCtomcat what constitutes a dog proof on-the-ground container/box? Weasel boxes? Do overhangs work etc?

A box with a restricted entrance hole which most normal size hunting dogs cannot get their heads through like 2 1/2 inch hole for mink, marten and fisher and up to 4 inches or so for other species Yes, a good low lengthy overhang will keep most dogs out.

Thanks guys, keep the comments going. Although the petition is very well written and brings up some legitimate concerns, what they are asking for isn't really workable. In addition to what's already been said above, there would be conflicts with signage on public ground (could constitute littering) and it would be an enforcement nightmare - visible how, to whom, what size sign, material, etc. Weather resistance, fastening to trees (no nails allowed), what if there's no trees, etc, etc, etc.

The reality is there are (or should be) very few places where wolf trappers are setting frequently used trails. The ITA has been doing a lot of education work for aspiring wolf trappers and trap location to avoid conflict is routinely addressed. Sets in close proximity to a trail with frequent foot/dog traffic aren't likely to be the best wolf spots to set regardless. That said, people do travel some pretty random places with their dogs and hound hunters use the same areas too. On my own line I frequently put a sign letting people know there's wolf traps in the area if there's a chance someone might use the same pullout and decide to follow my tracks. Hasn't affected my catch one bit and have seen where people (and dogs) turn around at the sign. I consider this a BMP and would hate to see it mandated though.

Another question would be........what language or languages does the sign need to use ? I know there are a LOT of non-english speakers in ID.

Thanks BC

Not to mention a activist could find your traps with the use of your signs then remove the signs then call game warden