TRAPS: It's a statewide problem

We are writing to share our concerns about unmarked traps on public lands in Idaho. We are avid trail runners, who also hike with our respective families year-round in the northern panhandle. Recently, while running on a forest service road, one of our dogs was caught in a steel leg hold trap which was set right on the side of the road and was unmarked or tagged. We were able to quickly seek advice, and then restrain and release the dog with a few unfortunate painful bites to our own arms and legs. Had either one of us been alone, this task would have been nearly impossible.

We feel fortunate that this incident didn’t lead to more severe injuries to us or the dog, however we are greatly alarmed that one of our young children could have just as easily stepped in this trap. Upon reviewing trapping rules we were shocked to find that the irresponsible placement of this trap is not in violation of ANY regulations.

When we go into the wilderness, we follow all suggested safety rules: We wear blaze orange in hunting season, stay on well-defined trails and this winter even changed our course when a kind trapper warned us that his lines were up ahead. Despite being cautious and informed, we still had this unfortunate experience which we believe could have been avoided with improved safety guidelines for trapping.

Traplines should be posted or marked with a sign or identifiable flagging. Even a non-specific sign like “traps ahead” would have allowed us to change our course. A Web-based map could also alert recreational users that an area is unsafe for children or dogs due to trap lines. We understand that trappers may not want to specifically identify where their traps are at, but maybe a map like this could identify where they are not.

The distance a trap is set off a road or trail should be more than 5 feet from the center. A dog on a leash or a child out for a walk could get into a trap that close. Our dog suffered for 40 minutes while we collected information and resources, and it was horrifying to watch. The 72-hour guideline for checking trap lines seems inhumane.

In closing, we believe that all the residents of Idaho should be able to safely enjoy the wilderness, and feel this would be far more possible with just a few precautionary guidelines regarding the marking and placement of traps on Idaho public lands.

Sincerely,

LYNDSAY HART

ERIN DELUDE

Bonners Ferry