Monday, December 24, 2012

A Friendly Reminder

     'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. What?! A mouse? Not in my house! Get the traps!

     In the outdoors sometimes it's quite obvious when seasons overlap, and other times not so much. It's easy to see where bird seasons, and deer seasons converge, but not all pursuits are as clear. In most parts of the country those toting traps, and tending lines are barely visible, as are their tools of the trade. It is an unfortunate biproduct of the quest for fur that dogs can be accidentally caught, or worse, sometimes killed in traps. All states have their own special regulations, and rules as to how traps must be set. In many states, but not all, lethal traps must be set under water, or in a cubby to prevent accidental catches of domestic animals. All sportsmen that take to the woods with any kind of dog would be well served by learning what their regional trapping seasons are, as well as what traps are allowed, and potential trapping sights in their area. Learning how to recognize traps, and how to release them is a skill worth learning.

      No trapper wants to lose time resetting traps accidentally triggered by a dog, let alone accidentally kill one. Trappers, however, have just as much rights to pursue fur, as other sportsmen have to pursue their chosen game. Furs are in their prime in the late fall, and winter, so there will always be an overlap in the seasons. Like all things in life, education is the key to understanding. I'd recommend anyone with a dog, whether they intend to ever trap or not, take a trapper education class in the  off season. Trapper education will make the thought of hunting during the trapping season less of a scary proposition.

     And,.....Merry Christmas everyone.

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