Another dog in Montana caught in a trap forever changing the tradition of going in the woods for a Christmas tree.
What started out as a fun, family outing quickly turned into a harrowing experience for the Baughman family. A few weeks ago, they were near their home up Petty Creek, near Alberton searching for the perfect Christmas tree, along with some friends.
Suddenly, they heard cries from their little Chihuahua, Dutley, several feet away.
Read the article: Trapping continues to be challenged
Growing attention to the many wrongs of trapping is appreciated and necessary. However, a few things from the article are important to expand upon.
Note for the most recent info we have, almost 6,000 trapping licenses were sold in Montana 2013/2014, a decrease from previous years. Given the very low prices now for most furs, the downward trend is expected.
The 500 foot setbacks for traps in high use areas were a result of the hard work from a small group out of Bozeman, the acknowledgment of FWP, and apply only to Region/Trapping District (TD). TD1. TD 3. Hyalite Area. Bozeman Face Trails. West Bridger Mountains. Gallatin Canyon. Paradise Valley. Otherwise, traps and snares for furbearing animals can be set 30 feet from the centerline of a public road, 50 feet from a public trail and 300 or 1000 feet from public trail heads and campgrounds, depending upon whether the trap is lethal or non-lethal.
Traps set for wolves require a 150 foot setback along open roads and hiking trails that are designated by administrative signs or numbers and 1,000 feet off a designated or marked trailhead accessible by highway vehicle.
Traps and snares for species classified as “predators” do not need to abide by these setbacks as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Livestock, not FWP.
We are grateful this little dog is okay but the act of trapping itself is not and is no longer justifiable in this day and age.