Trapping ban near hiking trails urged

RENO -- A citizens' group, concerned after at least two dogs became caught in traps around Reno last winter, is pressing state wildlife officials to prohibit trapping within 200 feet of designated hiking trails.

The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners will be petitioned to take the action when it meets May 11-12 in Reno, said leaders of the group TrailSafe.

"It's a step in the right direction," said Trish Swain, a TrailSafe founder. "More needs to be done to keep our trails safe."

Russ Mason, chief of game for the Department of Wildlife, said the proposal appears reasonable and could take effect before the next trapping season begins in November.

Existing regulations prohibit traps from being set within 200 feet of any public road or highway, but make no mention of hiking trails.

"It's an entirely appropriate thing," Mason told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "No one wants to have conflicts between the recreational public. One of our roles is to try and come up with useful and fair compromises."

Joel Blakeslee, president of the Nevada Trappers Association, said his group is willing to consider the proposal.

"We're fully behind resolving this problem," he said. "Our goal is the same as theirs in keeping dogs away from traps."

The issue surfaced after two dogs became caught in bobcat traps in December and January around Galena Creek Regional Park just south of Reno. The dogs were freed unharmed.

The incidents on U.S. Forest Service land were linked to the same licensed trapper, who later removed the traps.