Other Views: Changes to state’s trapping laws seem sensible

No ban on trapping is proposed, and with good reason. Trapping is a legitimate method of population control — as is hunting — and trapping bag limits are set with that in mind. Beavers, as one example, can cause tremendous problems for farmers and ranchers; trapping them is the best way of controlling the damage.

As for rule changes, some are proposed. The agency wants to require that smaller traps be kept close to water where the animals they’re designed to catch live, for example.

Some rule changes were considered, but not recommended. One would require that traps be checked daily, a move experts say would make it difficult for trappers working for the state or federal governments to do their jobs well.

Another change considered but rejected would require trappers to label their equipment with name and telephone number. Traps already must carry “brands,” agency officials note, which give those officials quick access to the trap owners. There’s no need, they argue, for more information.

That makes sense. Though we’ll give most trapping opponents the benefit of the doubt where manners are concerned, trappers should not be faced with the potential for harassment by even a handful of those who oppose their legal activity.

As for increasing signage requirements, ODFW staffers have asked the commission to reject the proposal. They note that it would be difficult to tell whether a trapper or someone else removed a sign, making enforcing a new rule nearly impossible.

The department does propose requiring that traps be kept a distance from trails, trailheads and campgrounds, though not as far away as some would like.

In all, the proposed changes work to keep trapping viable for those who do it, even as pets and nontrappers are kept safer. It’s a reasonable compromise.