The land trapping seasons opens in Montana on Saturday, December 1, 2012, and wolf trapping will open on December 15, 2012. So if you out hiking in the woods with your pets, be extra cautious and mindful of trapping activity.
Here is what Brian Giddings, FWP’s furbearer coordinator had to say:
“Trappers are similarly reminded to follow Montana’s regulations aimed at avoiding accidental pet captures and to use every precaution to avoid capturing a dog. On the rare occasion when a dog does get caught, it would most likely be a in foothold device that can be opened to remove the dog’s paw,” Giddings said. “Both dog owners and trappers care greatly about family pets. Trappers must take precautions when setting traps by ensuring that the trap set is legal and by always bearing in mind the recreational pursuits of other people sharing the outdoors.”
Here are some laws that trappers must abide by:
- traps on public lands to be set back at least 50 feet from a road or trail—150 feet for wolf traps
- 300 to 1,000 feet from a trailhead depending on the type of trap used
- 1,000 feet from a public campground.
There are currently about 4,000 licensed trappers in Montana. All trappers should read the Montana Trapping Regulations to avoid unintended captures.
Here are some things dog owners can do to minimize risks:
- keep your dog on a leash or otherwise always under your control.
- don’t let your dog wander off, especially out of sight.
For more information visit FWP’s website.
