Losing Predator Control?

[blacktailslayer]

Bill in Congress Would Prohibit Most Trapping in Wildlife Refuges

10/16/09

A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would ban the use of the most common type of trap used to control predator populations within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

HR 3710, introduced by Representative Nita Lowey (D- NY), would make it illegal to use any trap that will “kill or capture wildlife by physically restraining any part of the animal” within the Refuge system. This definition of banned traps include the most common types, such as Conibear-style traps and foothold traps, that are used to control both predator and nuisance populations.

For a first offense, the bill orders a civil fine of up to $500 for each proscribed trap used or possessed. For subsequent offenses, a person in violation faces fines up to $1000 for each trap used or possessed as well as imprisonment for up to 180 days. Additionally, all such traps would be forfeited.

Similar bills have been introduced in the last several years but have never moved forward.

“Trapping is universally regarded by the wildlife management community as an invaluable tool to control predators and furbearers,” stated Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO. “The USSA will be working to kill this bill should it gain any traction.”

[mallard_drake85]

Its a shame that people won't open their eyes and are blinded by the "disney effect". Trappers are invaluable to the economy, providing an important service virtually free, and usually at the trappers cost. As a hard core trapper myself, I am constantly on the prowl to educate those who are ignorant (for clarification I use ignorant as in not knowing, not ignorant as in stupid) to this type of management. By removing the surplus of animals, you balance out the ecosystem reducing the chances of diseases (mange, distemper, etc..which are more prevelant that most people realize) outbreaks which can decimate or even extirpate mammals from an area. These diseases are often contracted by domestic animals which can lead to humans..thus brings another point that trappers help reduce human animal interactions in the rural (and more increasingly) urban interfaces.

On an increasing level you are hearing about coyotes or foxes, moving into urban areas. Often this is caused by habitat displacement, however this is also due to overpopulations due to lack of animal regulation. I don't know about your areas, but here in my portion of Southern Illinois, its not uncommon to see furbears including predators (canines, foxes, bobcats) within city (and town) limits. They had to come from somewhere right? No, these animals are not restricted to public lands such as wildlife refuges, however each year these animals reproduce their young fledge from their home ranges in search of new habitat in which to dwell including private properties and increasingly these urban interfaces. It's all connected.

Foot hold traps are designed to hold the animal across the paw, not the leg, thus inflicting minimal, if any discomfort. Responsible trappers go out of their way to reduce discomfort and injury to the animals they intend to capture with modification to the trap (including baseplates, extra swivels, shock springs, jaw lamination to increase surface area) and set design. There is no reason why these traps should be banned from Refuge system. Where there is a refuge, normally there is water...where there is water normally you'll have beavers, muskrats, mink, coons and more furbears than I'll list here...left uncontrolled these animals quickly reproduce to such numbers that they become nuisances to the enviroment. This is where trappers have the roll...How many landowners on this site have beaver problems or muskrat damage? If you do, you know how quickly they can cause damage, ranging into the thousand of dollar range if left unchecked over time. If you are worried about your canine friends, most of these public lands have leash laws to protect your companion...thus I laws are followed, there should be no incidental catches on public properties.

By passing this bill, the government is only going to cause problems for themselves in the long run...Responsible trappers have proven time and time again their importance to the environment as well to the government, because who will they contact once these refuges become over run with animals...normally a state or federal trapper.

Just for reference, my name is Joshua Ashmore...I currently hold a B.S. in Forestry and will complete my M.S. in Forest Management for Wildlife in December of this year. I am a hard core lifelong trapper and have fought and will continue to fight for my right to trap now and for as long as I have too. I feel its a shame how other outdoors enthusiast such as houndsmen, archers, and any other hunters (both male and female alike) cannot come together on issues such as this...give an inch, and they will want a mile!!!

That is my thoughts on this subject...

mallard_drake85

Edited October 16, 2009 by mallard_drake85