In Massachusetts we have a law against hunter harassment. Many of us have used it with good success. (Surprise I know) . A question came up to one game warden (EPO) about trappers be harrassed. He said " the law does not apply to trapping, because trapping is not hunting".
As a board member of Mass.Trappers, I am looking to see if this is the case anywhere else. We are also checking to see if thats was one officers opinion.
Without the political BS of Masshole, any thoughts?
Thank you
Don LaFountain

Can’t speak for Mass. but, in Delaware trapping is considered hunting.

And harassing someone who is lawfully hunting or trapping is against the law.

In Idaho, it says interference with hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife control.

I guess it is here too on the harassment angle. Its illegal to harass hunters or trappers.

In Ga trapping is in same category as hunting. It is a method of taking or attempting to take wildlife. Licenses for trapping are considered "commercial". Licenses for hunting are "recreational." But other than that they are same.

I would say he is dead wrong by my interpretation of this:

Harrassement law

In Alaska the law applies to hunting, trapping, fishing and viewing of fish and game.

South Dakota trapping regs are within the annual hunting guide. I think harassment to anyone hunting, trapping, and fishing. If its not defiend that way in MA, then I would try to get a state legislature to get the law changed.Good luck!!

... Texas says “hunting and catching “ I would think catching would include trapping

... although I’d handle some one screwing with me myself... and they would not like it

Listed as harassment here as well when fooling around with traps, I doubt any one here would not think trapping is not hunting any different than using an ATV or Horses to go elk hunting or lion hunting with hounds !

I would say your game warden is wrong.

Under R.S. 56:648.1, no person may engage in such activities as interfering with the lawful taking of wildlife, disturbing a wild animal or otherwise affecting its behavior with the intent to prevent or hinder lawful taking, disturb any hunter, trapper, or fisherman who is engaged in lawful taking, or enter or remain ...

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/...ies-and-game-and-other-natural-resources

Great info. I did some research after first couple replys. The wording in the law is just what is being said here. So yes the EPO does know the law. Thinking MTA should print it on laminated cards for our members to carry. Great imput.
Thank you all
Din

Maybe I misread your post. I thought your warden said the law did NOT apply to trappers. The way I read the statute, it clearly does apply to trappers

You read it correctly. He said the law didn't apply to trapping. He was wrong. Good info here.
Thanks Don

Thought so. Thanks. You post above says that the warden ..."does know the law" Maybe you meant to write 'does NOT know the law'

I think you're right. Your association should print that up and make it available to all who need it

No, unless you like stretching the law which has become acceptable

Bring the issue up to a sympathetic member of your Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Does this mean you can harass fishermen without consequences since they are not hunters? The statute states- "Harassing another in the lawful taking of fish or wildlife". Clearly you were just put off. It might be good to make a big deal about this. Adopt the same measures the anti's take, squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Exactly