Opinion trapped by non-IDFG signs

Regarding Mr. Byron Anderson's "My Turn" column in the Friday Sept. 5 paper: The signs referred to by Mr. Anderson were neither created by, nor posted by, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Trapping as an activity is recognized in Idaho Code, protected by the Idaho Constitution, and is an important and valuable wildlife based activity and management tool. While trapping of unprotected wildlife such as coyotes and skunks is permitted year-round by Idaho law, most trapping occurs during managed seasons for furbearers under rules and regulations established by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Traps that pose risks to pets are most likely to be set during the late fall or midwinter period.

With increases in fur prices in recent years, trapping activity has increased. Last year there were some incidents of pets being caught in traps and in some cases killed, including two incidents in the Panhandle where an individual trapper twice set kill traps, where foot hold traps would have been a better trap, in places frequently used by people with pets.

Incidents where traps catch and harm or kill pets are a terrible experience for pets and their owners. It also reflects poorly on trapping and conscientious trappers when poor trapper decisions harm or kill pets. Following incidents this past winter, IDFG convened regional working groups around the state to assess current trapping rules and regulations, incidents where pets were caught or harmed, and what means might be appropriate to reduce the potential for pet owners experiencing the loss off a pet. These groups, comprised of pet owners, folks who used dogs for hunting, and trappers, came up with a number of recommendations for the Fish and Game Commission to consider. Recommendations ranged from changing trapping rules to significantly reduce possible exposure of pets to lethal traps, to information, education and awareness programs.

Findings from all of the work groups were presented to the commission during its July meeting in Salmon, with the result that the commission directed the department to develop possible rule changes for consideration by the public and then the commission, and to implement programs to make the public more aware of when and where traps might be a concern for pet owners. The department has since developed informational materials, and possible rule changes for the commission to consider. Because state law requires that rule changes affecting fishing, hunting, and trapping gear must go through a lengthy negotiated rule-making process, it is unlikely any rule changes will be made prior to this coming trapping season. IDFG will work to get the word out that trapping seasons are on when that time comes, and provide information to trappers and pet owners alike to help reduce the potential for pets being caught in traps.

Chip Corsi is Panhandle regional supervisor for Idaho Fish and Game.