Letter writer showed trapping ignorance

As a responsible and ethical trapper, I feel obligated to correct the false information that was recently publish in a letter by John Ruther on trapping. His first point states “Trappers don’t care if animals are tortured” which is completely and absolutely not true. Trappers care greatly for the well being of the animals they trap, to such an extent that specialized traps are now in use in modern fur trapping. Many trap jaws are offset, double jawed, laminated, and even coated in rubber to ensure animals are not maimed.

As any passionate outdoorsman knows; hunting, fishing, and trapping are all essential to maintain a positive balance in animal populations as well as taking advantage of a renewable resource that is offered to us.

Another point brought up was that trappers are indiscriminate toward the animals they trap. Which is again a falsehood. On a modern day foothold trap there is a circular or rectangular pan, which triggers the trap when stepped on. The amount of force required to trigger that pan can be altered and changed depending on the targeted animal and avoid non-target catches.

Trapping has helped government researchers capture, relocate, and build back many different endangered species populations. Including the river otter and red fox. Trappers teach our youth the importance of respect and love for nature, and the balance of give and take with the earth.

Trappers are humane, responsible people who want nothing more than the well being of the animals they trap. Similar to how the farmer is the one who cares most about his crops, the trapper is the one who cares most about the animals and their well-being.

DAKOTA BLAESE

Sandpoint