I know it’s holiday season and everything, but my recent fascination with unique Adirondack hazards forces me to mention another tragic story. Trapping animals has been a traditional activity here for hundreds of years, and was one of the primary reasons White Man even became interested in what was otherwise a “useless” wilderness. Seems there has been some problems with the traps. A couple out walking their dog down in Lake Luzerne last week witnessed a most disturbing scene.
Nobody would ever accuse me of being a pet-lover. I’ve had my share of problems with owners that don’t control or clean-up after their domesticated “companions”. I do see a potential problem with hidden traps in public areas frequented by large numbers of recreationalists. That dog could have easily been my leg or one of my kids. Is this a regulatory issue? That’s something we don’t need around here, more regulations. But how are we going to address this issue as this inevitable conflict will continue to grow?
More Info:
Dog is having its day – Owners of dog killed in trap were pushing for legislation that is already in motion
Dog killed in trap at Mount Van Hoevenberg
Couple who lost dog to trap starts letter campaign
DEC Reminds New York State Residents of Hunting and Trapping Seasons
All New Yorkers Are Urged To Take Precautions and Be Aware Of Their Surroundings
(11/30/2006) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised people who hunt, hike or recreate on State lands to be aware that several hunting and trapping seasons are taking place and to follow safe practices while participating in outdoor activities.
Licensed hunters in New York State are required to take a hunter safety course, which has significantly reduced the number of hunting related injuries. Last year was New York’s safest hunting season in history. Incidents involving non-hunters during hunting season are extremely rare. Trappers must also take and pass DEC’s trapper education course which teaches responsible trapping practices.
Big game, trapping, and other small game hunting seasons are now open in many areas of New York State. Pet owners should be aware that traps legally set to catch furbearing animals such as fisher or raccoon, could pose a threat to unattended pets. Pet owners should keep pets under their direct control or on a leash in hunting areas during these seasons to prevent trap encounters. New York State hunting and trapping season dates can be viewed in the 2006/07 Hunting and Trapping Guide on the DEC website.
Trappers are also reminded to use good judgment in selecting areas for trap placement, avoiding areas frequented by pets, and staying away from hiking trails. In addition, trappers are encouraged to use dog-proof trap sets. These sets include placing traps out of reach of dogs through the use of running pole-sets, or the use of dog-proof cubby sets. These techniques are covered in the DEC Trapper Education course and more information can be found at Trapping in the 21st Century (pdf). Bait selection can also aid in attracting only the desired species. For example, use of non-meat bait such as fruit or marshmallows, if targeting raccoons, will make a set unattractive to many pet species.
Trapping in New York (NYSDEC)
Why did you ask the questions if you didn’t want them answered?
Editor’s Note: This probably belongs on Oaxaca – Watch, but since it is so vague, I’m leaving it.
Lets lay the blame where it belongs. Why do we always go after the trapper or hunter who most always is in the right, when we should be going after the pet owner. Almost all area’s of the state have leash laws in effect. Then why do the pet owners want to let there pets roam free during the open hunting and trapping seasons. Seems to me the laws are being broken right from the beginning and yet when something goes wrong its the trapper or hunter who has to take the blame. Why dont we go after the culprit other then looking for a escape goat. And why hasnt anyone mentioned the fact that zepher on Long Island was a Pit Bull and has been deemed a dangerous breed to begin with and why was he running free in a public place. Would seem that dog would have been more of a threat to the public than a trapper way back in the woods.If you want to fix a problem, then have the pet owners control there pets like they do there kids and then we would be able to get on with more important issues. New York State Trappers Association, stop trying to appease the do gooders and go on the offensive and defend a much needed sport to curb disease and over population in the animals. thank you !