Safety Advised on National Forest during Trapping Season
DILLON - Montana’s trapping season is in full swing and the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest wants to offer important reminders for all winter recreationists.
Melany Glossa, Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor, says “Montana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has trap setback requirements from roads, trails and campgrounds and most trappers take additional efforts to place traps in areas well away from those frequented by other recreationists.” Dog owners and others concerned about trapping can minimize risks by staying on well used routes and keeping pets close by when hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.” Glossa adds “keeping pets close to you while out in the woods helps reduce not only accidental trapping concerns but also keeps pets from unnecessarily harassing wildlife.” According to FWP, winter recreationists should be on the look-out for signs of trapping activity; a lightly traveled snowmobile track or a few footsteps in the snow may indicate a trapper’s presence and should be avoided.
Recreationists who want to learn more about Montana’s trapping season should look at the website http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/trapping/. The link has good information, like how to become more proficient at releasing traps and snares and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks contact information.
For additional information about winter recreation opportunities on the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest contact us at (406) 683-3900 or look us up on the internet at http://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/bdnf/recreation.
