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Trapping in public view?

3K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  Jumptrap 
#1 ·
Driving to work this morning on a very busy public road I saw a fox in a trap about 75 yards off the road. 300 yards from the nearest woods. While I enjoy hunting and trapping I don't like to see animals suffer anymore than they have to. And I am sensitive to some public opinion although I don't necessarily care what they think. Everything inside of me wants to put the fox down. Partly for the animal and partly so the hundreds of cars driving by don't have to see this thing freaking out. I stopped and looked at it and then continued driving. Turned around and went back to confirm what I thought I saw and there was a second fox sitting by it. Do you guys think about that kind of stuff at all?if it was me I would check that trap at daybreak every day.
 
#2 ·
In the first place you can’t put a fox down in a trap unless it’s your own. But I agree with you about checking traps before daylight especially along a busy highway
 
#3 ·
I seldom trap where my catch is within view of the general public. That includes setting road culverts, in safety zones or near trails on SGLS or SF. You're leaving the door wide open for trap/fur thieves, and increase the likely hood of catching dogs or cats. A fox in a proper set and trap doesn't really suffer, most of the time they settle down and are have seen some that were actually sleeping when I arrived. Laminated and offset jaws do a great job eliminating damage to an animal's leg or paw. Although it ideal to check traps ASAP in the morning, some folks work schedule doesn't allow it. And I have had catches made shortly after setting/ checking traps....the trapper may have already made his check for the day.

Other than releasing one's pet or hunting dog that finds it's way into a trap, it's illegal to tamper with anyone's traps. That includes dispatching their catch. This time of year a lot of furbearers' hides are starting to look bad, do to ticks, lice, and rubbing. Many of those animals are released by trappers. Some guys release all the female fox they catch...if someone dispatches them, that's no longer an option.
 
#5 ·
Though I do not like it either most likely 99% of the people driving will probably never see it. They just are not tuned like you a hunter to have it even register with them. I have driven with many not hunters/outdoor people and they do not even see the deer and other wildlife right next to the road let alone 75yds back.
 
#6 ·
My wife claims I'm really good at seeing wildlife half a mile away from the road. But somehow seem to always be shocked by deer standing in the middle of the road because I'm looking in the fields as I drive at dusk. She always has to say something when she's along with there's a deer in the road. Because she won't look out the side window she'll get carsick. Which usually brings on the how did you not see that pay attention speech. But you see a big buck in the back of a field hundreds of yards from the road. Happens a lot spotting too
 
#10 ·
They are not suffering. They are just.... caught and like has been said, fighting the trap. I can tell you from personal experience that when you forget and put your bare hand down to gain a better balance....and it goes into a MB550.....unbearable pain is not the result. It's the total surprise that overcomes you. The surprise is by far the worst part of the experience. In fact pain isn't even on a scale of 1 to 10........a 1. Pride on the other hand takes a terrible turn for the worse. :grin2: I imagine it does for the fox also.
 
#11 ·
The only traps I set close to a main or heavily traveled road are water traps such as pocket sets or bottom edge/blind sets. Even that being said, all of my land traps that I set are checked prior to going to work which means all are checked before 5:30 AM.

I also just read an article in a recent newsletter of a trapper giving us a bad name. It was reported by the Cambria-Somerset Authority, which owns the Quemahoning Dam and the property surrounding it, that they are considering banning trapping on their property. The property is open to the public for hunting, fishing and trapping but someone thought it was a good idea to set cable restraints on a hiking trail around the dam and not only have no less than 3 dogs being captured while being used by people hiking the trail. What really made this an issue is the restraints did not have a name tag and the Game Commission was called in to investigate. Actions like this just ruin it for all of us.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Many good spots are passed up in my area daily because of the public location, view, etc.

However, sounds like the trapper did nothing wrong you know of? So what's the problem?

The animal was fighting the trap. Not suffering. If you like hunting and trapping, you should know that. I'm guessing you don't trap much..

It's okay to not know that, to post how you felt is only human. Although, bringing it to the public eye is just more of a divide for outdoorsmen.

Have you ever shot a deer and had it run away out of sight, only to not find it or walk up on it not yet expired... sure, most have. That is Suff*****.

Animals in traps are dispatched in a humane manner by trappers, and are only held there untill that time.

Many animals of less desirable fur quality are released, to grow a better pelt the following season.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Re read your post, so he doubled there? Two reds in footholds?

THATS why he has traps there!

I would be willing to bet the fella probably does check those sets before daylight often but maybe had obligations and couldn't get to check right away early. Also, some guys running 75+ traps at a time aren't going to have time to check everything before day break.

If private ground, the trapper is more than likely not concerned if it is seen by highway.

There are some excellent facts posted by some great trappers in this thread if you take the time to read what these guys are saying.
 
#14 ·
Used to trap a lot. More predator hunt now. I have wounded deer. Have heard deer make crazy noises when wounded. I hate that. Worst thing for me. That's why I do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't happen. To me I want the animal dead asap including trapping if that's my plan. Yes the fox was doing a typical catch circle. None the less I would have liked to put it done to not be seen by all. I will stick by my thought of suffering. Doesn't have to be pain in my mind and isn't hunter/trapper negative. It's a part of it. Perhaps my definition is off. I'd much rather shoot them then trap them.
 
#15 ·
Chester....I'm a trapper. In my view, you're absolutely right. If you are setting for animals in plain sight, then get out there before light and dispatch the animal.
The antis are on our fannies enough...we as trappers don't need to give them more reason to do so!

Thanks for the post as an excellent reminder!
 
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