True but that would mean that they had to accept personal responsibility for their actions and not place all the blame on someone else

Same here only with coyote hunters. They get permission on one small parcel of land only to run the entire county stating that dogs or coyotes don't understand property lines. I fear the day I catch someone's hound only to discover that $500 dog is now worth $5000 even though I have permission to be there and they don't. Hunters and trappers need to stick together or we will all lose our hunting and trapping privileges.

That's what already happened here in MI too. We already have the dp's, cages, submerged, elevated, enclosed, and any other dog safe method rules for the most part.

thanks guys but not much help yet ?

Sorry, I don’t think it is an unreasonable request. Get your traps off of the public roadways and trails. Seems like common sense.

You're kidding, right?

Heck no he’s not! Why do you think Dahlgren is having trouble coming up with a good reason against it for chrissakes???

Keep it up.Before you know it we're going to have to justify why were trapping on public lands,whether its next to a trail or in a cedar swamp.Ask the trappers in New Mexico and Arizona about that.

If we had a DNR that actually had a set and stood up for us we wouldn't have to justify everything we do all the time.The two examples given,one was legally set and one was illegal.2 tracks up here would be considered public roadways and they've been trapped since they were made.Trails on public land,is a deer trail illegal to set?I'd say any trail on public land whether a deer trail,abandoned logging trail,abandoned driveway would all be illegal,any place there's A path could be declared illegal. Who came up with the 25' rule,if your walking your dog along this 2track and hes not on a leash what guarantee is there he ll stay with in 25' of you? Actually,its my understanding in this state if he isnt hunting hes supposed to be on a leash.If he takes off and gets caught 100' from the road are we still responsible?If not now how about in the future?
This is a tough one because if they go along with it,it will open up a huge Pandora's box.

The first thing should be a clear definition of a public roadway.Not some vague "its up to the local C.O.'s definition " nonsense.Trails?What kind of trails?Public hiking trails?Any trail that permits a person and a dog thru the woods?Does this include mink trapping on a right away or trapping a beaver colony damming a culvert?Does the rule start on the shoulder of the road or from the center?Ask them about the definition of the leash law,why is it when the dog in a trap story hits the media the leash law is never mentioned,including by our DNR.Also,the DNR should be hitting back on these "we're doing it to protect kids and adults" stories .Demand A print out of people reportedly injured by traps and the circumstances surrounding them.I smell a conniving rat here by the way that letter is written .It boxes us into a corner and they're trying to blow it up in our face.

It’s everywhere.



Here’s another one of their’s.

Here is a sign I posted voluntarily.


Another one of mine. This sign is near the trailhead. It also lets other trappers know I’m already there.

ATA has developed signage years ago. It is a general heads up to dog owners as well as trappers. I don’t have a good pic handy but I’ll try and find one. We have had success deflecting most setbacks etc by stepping up with this general advisory signage. Signage to raise awareness and reduce conflict. I think it helps some guys think twice about maybe setting someplace questionable.

You think setting traps where you have a high probability of catching someone’s dog is going to help?

The unfortunate truth is that we are way outnumbered. Less than 5% of the population hunts, and the number of trappers is a fraction of that. The general population tolerates hunting/ trapping because it generally doesn’t affect them. Well, start affecting them and see what happens next.
Use your head, do whatever you can to reduce conflict. We won’t win at the ballot box when the wheels start squeaking.

We used signs when setting on the railroad for nuisance beaver.No chance of the public coming across them,it was to let the other Railway workers know to be aware there were traps set for beaver in the area.
You are only asking for trouble setting traps in areas the general public frequent.,signs or no signs.
What is the use of putting signs at traps back in the bush,no one is going to see the sign.

Our federation has signs available for trappers that state-"This is a trappers trail,there may be traps and snares set on or near this trail
Be advised it is illegal to tamper with traps."

They are used at the trappers discretion,no requirement to post your trails.

General signage helps raise awareness and reduce conflict.

That all on the surface sounds logical but when you really boil the water out of the pan it makes you nothing more than a boot licker, things die so that you can live ( I didn't make the rules) and those that oppose this do only because there bellies are full...God forbit that day ends.

I agree Grumley, but that’s not the point. I guess it’s a choice between a quick end to trapping by being stubborn, or keeping the tradition alive as long as possible by using some common sense. It’s not a question of if trapping will end, the question is when. I don’t like it, but you don’t need to look too hard at the world and the country to see the writing on the wall. Our mission is to keep it going as long as possible.

I'm of the belief that before plastic food hits the market reality is gonna hits us frist... just my opinion.

And I hope you are right.

Not sure I agree with this..but what passes passes..