Connie Poten
Hikers, dogs warned: Wolf-trapping season begins Dec. 15
Footloose Montana reminds Montanans that the wolf-trapping season begins December 15, 2016, and ends February 28, 2017. Large, dangerous steel leg-hold traps are hidden across Montana’s landscape, often encircling bait that lures any animal or carnivorous bird. Dog owners should be on alert and will be safest recreating with their dogs on trap-free areas such as Bass Creek, Pattee Canyon and Blue Mountain around Missoula. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is trap-free but does not allow dogs during the winter months. Ground set traps are prohibited in the Lake Como Ski Area from December 1 through March 31.
For details about trapping in other areas, please refer to Fish, Wildlife and Parks, http://fwp.mt.gov/eBook/hunting/regulations/2016/wolf/index.html or pick up a copy at your local FWP office.
There is no limit to the number of wolf traps set in Montana. Traps do not have warning signs. A 150-foot setback is required for wolf traps along open roads and hiking trails on public lands. Trapping licenses are available to anyone 12 years or older for $20 for five animals per hunter/trapper. There is a 48-hour mandatory trap check. It is unlawful to disturb any trap or trapped wildlife belonging to a trapper without permission of the owner of the trap. Wolves do not defend their kills and rarely pose a threat to human safety.
If you see a trap, if your pet or livestock is missing or caught in a trap, please notify Footloose Montana, info@footloosemontana.com, 406-282-1482, P.O. Box 8884, Missoula, MT 59807, so we can post the location on our map at www.footloosemontana.org for others to check before planning outings. Your name will be kept confidential.
— Connie Poten, Missoula