HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 05-17 Anderson: Proposed changes to 'body-grip' traps have not gained traction STAR TRIBUNE Kevin Auslund and others have worked for three years to change
Minnesota trap�ing regu;ations to reduce the chance that"body-
:� grip°style traps inadvertently catch and kill hunting dogs and other
,�� -6.- 1 pets.This style of trap is used to catch bobcats,beavers,raccoons
�.'�..� and other furbearers.
Dennis Anderson �ong changes sought are modifications of the enclosures that
@SiRIBDENNIS contain the traps,and a requirement that traps set in water be fully
submerged.
Since 2012,at least 17 dogs have been caught in the traps and Idlled.
A bill authored by Sen.John Hoffman,DFL-Champlin,that would modify state trapping
regulations is supported by the Department of Natural Resources,but opposed by the
Minnesota Trappers Association.
The Senate bill has passed three committees and is awaiting a floor vote,while in the
House a companion bill has received no hearings.
The interview below with Auslund further explains the proposals'background and
prospects.
QYour belief is that the threat posed to hunting dogs by body-grip style traps is causing
at least some bird hunters to stop hunting once trapping begins in Minnesota—or else
go to other states to hunt.
A Yes.Even after 2012,when regulations were changed to require a 7-inch overhang on
top of the enclosure holding a body-grip trap,dogs continued to be caught and Idlled.I
should note also that different regulations apply to public and private lands.Either way,
our position is the regulation doesn't go far enough.
QHow and why did you get involved in this issue?
A I had a well-trained Brittany and while hunting on a large waterfowl production area
in 2010,my dog disappeared.He was a well-trained dog and it never happened before.
He could have gotten stolen or lost.But I found out trappers had been using the area,
and i fear a trap might have gotten hirn.I've talked to other hunters—in addition to
those whose dogs were ldlled by traps—who have lost dogs in similar ways.These traps
snap down right on their windpipes.You'd be lucky to hear a whimper.
QLast year,you and your group,Sportsmen Take Action,focused specifically on these
traps when placed on Walk In Access Program lands.The DNR contracts with
landowners to keep these properties open for hunting,and your position has been that
trapping shouldn't be allowed on these lands,because they are paid for by hunters.Or,
at the least,traps should be limited to leg-hold style,not body-grip.
A Yes.But we didn't get much traction in the Legislature.Gov.Mark Dayton's office was
sympathetic,and we were encouraged to come back this session with more
comprehensive proposals that covered both public and private lands statewide.So this
year,leaders of another group,doglovers4safetrappingmn.org,worked with Hoffman
and the DNR to develop the Senate bill and a companion,House File 1655,authored by
Rep.Peter Fischer,DFL-Maplewood.
Q What do the bills propose?
AThey keep body-grip style traps enclosed,elevated or submerged out of a dog's reach.
New restrictions are placed on the size of the openings of the required"cubby"boxes
that hold the traps,and on the distance that traps have to be recessed from the openings.
Separate legislation has been proposed for inclusion in the House and Senate game and
fish bills that requires the traps be set back at least 50 feet on either side of a public trail
or road.
QHow have the bills been received?
A The House bill went nowhere.In the SenaYe,it passed the three necessary committees.
But my understanding is that Majority Leader Tom Bakk hasn't yet approved it for a
floor vote.
QWhy has the opposition been so stiff?
ATrappers see the requirements as a threat to trapping.We don't think it is.It just
requires that trapping be done more safely.We're asking for changes so the traps don't
pose as big an issue for dogs.Beaver sets in particular are a concern.When exposed half
above the water,they are problems because they often are set at the end of trails,where
dogs are likely to run to get a drink,and enter the traps.Again,trappers could adjust and
submerge these traps,in our view. •
QHave you talked to the Minnesota Trappers Association?
A No.We've relied on the DNR as an intermediary.Basically,the DNR's viewpoint is that
trappers would have to retool a bit.But they still should be able to accomplish what
they want,so that hunters and trappers could better share the resource.
Q What's your nest step?
A We would love to get a floor vote in the Senate in the session's closing days.
QHow do you view your public support?
A I think it's overwhelming.If it goes to a floor vote in the Senate,it will pass.The public
wants it.
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This is the view a hunting dog would have—
perhaps its last view—if it was attracted by
the scent of a body-grip trap and tempted to