Trapping Reform is Moving Forward
The Thanksgiving holiday, a time to give thanks, is one of our favorites. We have much to be grateful for even with the difficulties during the past year. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the last few months as we have moved trapping reform forward.
A Suite of Potential Changes to Trapping Regulations.
1) On November 17 the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission (WGFC) moved to ban large power snares. Department employees will draft a large power-trap regulation for commissioners’ action at upcoming meetings.
The Interim Legislative Committee (TRW) will hear recommendations for two bills on December 8, 2020.
2) For WGFD Legislative authority to prohibit trapping near popular recreation areas, including heavily used trails. This would include predatory and furbearer animals.
3) To require education for would-be trappers born after Jan. 1, 2000.
These recommendations are a step forward and should be treated as such, but although this is a shift, we are aware that these are baby steps. Your letters, phone calls, conversations, and comments have moved us to this step, and now we need to ask for more. We are disappointed that the Commission did not address charges that trapping itself is cruel and abusive, despite one person pointing out that trapping contradicts the agency’s mission to conserve wildlife and serve people.
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