From the October 2007 issue

DEC Issues Emergency Trapping Regulations

a fisher in full winter coat walks over patches of snow

Fisher are among the fur-bearers that are the intended targets of body-gripping traps

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently issued emergency regulations to reduce or eliminate the capture or killing of pets in body-gripping traps. New York's 2007-08 trapping season opens on October 25 in most areas of the state. The restrictions will apply to the setting and use of body-gripping traps.

Unintended Dog Deaths Spur Changes

In recent years, a few dogs have regrettably been caught and killed in body-gripping traps set on public or private lands. These types of traps are mainly used to catch animals such as raccoon and fisher. After careful review of the current trapping regulations, DEC determined that additional regulation is needed to minimize the chance that dogs will inadvertently be caught in these traps, while maintaining their effectiveness in catching targeted animals.

DEC received many comments from the public after issuing a proposed rulemaking on May 30, 2007 to restrict the type, setting, and use of body-gripping traps. As a result, the agency made significant revisions to the original proposal and will provide a second comment period to obtain more input before making the regulations final. The revised proposal will be published in the New York State Register on October 3, starting a 30-day public comment period that closes November 2.

Provisions of the Emergency Regulations

In the interim, DEC has adopted the proposed regulations on an emergency basis on September 13. Both the emergency and proposed regulations include the following provisions: additional designs for body-gripping traps set in dog-resistant containers used with baits; restrictions on body-gripping traps set without the use of baits in so-called "blind run sets," and a new setback restriction for body-gripping traps set on public lands near trails. Body-gripping traps will be prohibited on public lands within 100 feet of public trails.

At their annual convention in Herkimer County, the New York State Trappers Association (NYSTA) unanimously passed a resolution calling on trappers voluntarily and immediately to adopt measures to avoid the capture of dogs similar to DEC's proposed regulation.

Commissioner Applauds Voluntary Efforts

DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis applauded NYSTA's proactive policy. "NYSTA is to be commended for supporting this important regulation and for calling on their membership to adopt measures immediately to prevent the capture of dogs. The methods in DEC's revised proposal will significantly improve trapping selectivity in New York and we believe that having the measures in effect for the upcoming trapping seasons is an important and responsible action needed to avoid the capture of pets."

While this emergency regulation and proposal is considered an important improvement to New York's trapping regulations, pet owners are reminded to make sure that dogs are not allowed to run at large, and to obey local leash laws where applicable to avoid accidents during trapping season.

To Comment

For complete details about the emergency regulations, see the emergency trapping regulations web page on DEC's website. Details of the revised proposed regulation and a link for submitting comments electronically will be available on the Proposed Regulations web page of DEC's website by approximately October 3. You can also mail comments to:

Gordon R. Batcheller
NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233-4754

Permits Available for Three Western New York WMAs

In a related story, trapping permits will be issued for the Oak Orchard, Tonawanda, and John White Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for the 2007-2008 license year beginning October 1. See the full press release for details.

Environment DEC