Beware … wolf traps in Idaho on public lands
LAY OF THE LAND:
I am an avid hound hunter who pursues mountain lion, bear and bobcat … but only to photograph them and to enjoy the woods I hunt them in. I stopped killing these magnificent creatures many years ago after realizing their plight to survive through habitat destruction, hunters and trapping … but it is trapping that I want to address now with regard to wolves and the “over-the-top-wolf-craze” that is gripping Idaho.
The latest Fish and Game rule book states (depending on the region), that trapping is allowed from September through the end of March on all PUBLIC and PRIVATE LANDS in the state of Idaho for wolves.
PUBLIC LAND as of late for wolves, has been trap-free from April to the following September. Not only does this allow people to recreate freely with dogs (pets or hounds) on PUBLIC LAND through warmer weather … but it also gives all wildlife a reprieve to raise their young.
THE PROBLEM:
I have chosen public land to hunt on because these are some of the few places left that have an intact ecosystem that supports the animals that I pursue with hounds i.e.: bear, lion and bobcat. I won’t hunt in the winter anymore because that is when trapping is allowed everywhere. I have spent an enormous amount of time, money, and energy to locate these select areas in the spring and summer that I thought were free from the trapper’s iron grasp. (Regardless of the propaganda, leg-hold traps destroy a dog’s foot or leg, rendering them useless for running. Snares kill them).
The Fish and Game has decided to use PUBLIC LAND this spring and summer under the guise of doing a “STUDY” to trap wolves. They are collaring them so they can track them later (disregarding the stress and trauma to their feet? Maybe later to kill said wolves and their pups.) This is ludicrous and not acceptable … not only for me, but for the unaware, unfortunate person who also wants to recreate on our lands with their dogs this spring and summer.
This is PUBLIC LAND that we the people have set aside to freely recreate on in the spring and summer and is considered a “safe zone” from traps. It is now being dominated with traps by the Fish and Game to continue their obsession with harassing the wolves. All this in lieu of the fact that pups are being born … and all wildlife is in the midst of raising their young. We know that approximately 50% of all kills in traps are non-targeted wildlife which will take a substantial toll on everything … even if the wolves caught are only maimed on their feet.
I paid my fees just like everyone else to enjoy this time to hunt. I was literally cut off at the knees after reading the small sign that I saw where I hunt. I can no longer hunt on PUBLIC LAND with good conscience knowing that I could lose or maim any of my dogs. After reaching out to the Fish and Game, I soon realized … they really don’t care.
NEWS FLASH! Federal PUBLIC LAND is no longer a safe zone to freely recreate in without the possibility of losing a hunting dog or a pet to a trap.
THE REAL CLINCHER:
Even though I saw the one sign (barely) in the woods, I tried desperately to find out where the other areas were that the newly hired “professional” trappers are trapping in. I was told that this was to remain a secret. They don’t have to tell me or anyone else anything as to where these traps are being set. It was none of my business. It is considered a “courtesy” to the public if they do. My observation is that this is because they don’t want the public to know. I now have the sick feeling that we have lost something that we thought belonged to all of us under the darkness of night.
The Fish and Game submitted these new wolf hunting and trapping proposals this year. I found that even though the people responded by showing 84% against these harsh new rules to kill and get rid of wolves, they proceeded with their new proposals anyway. My guts have always told me that this pretense to care about what the public wants has always been simply a show of interest. They do what they want anyway. We have lost our democratic voice in the handling of our wildlife … now … even our PUBLIC LANDS are feeling the cost. The Fish and Game Commission donated $20,000 this year toward the bounty of wolves, some of which is taxpayer dollars.
BEWARE OF TRAPS for all the people who plan to recreate with dogs and children on all PUBLIC LANDS this summer in this area.
If this concerns you, please contact your regional Fish and Game office 208-769-1414 or the Region 1 Fish and Game commissioner at the following email: brad.corkill@idfg.idaho.gov
•••
Kevin Brown is a Benewah County resident.