4 VAC 15-40-200. Restricted use of above ground body-gripping traps in excess of five inches.

Summary
The proposal is to increase the maximum jaw spread from 5" to 6 1/2" for baited body gripping traps set above the ground, provided that these traps are placed inside "dog-proof" boxes that are staked and provided further that such traps may only be used on private lands with written permission of landowners.

It shall be unlawful to set above the ground any body-gripping trap with a jaw spread in excess of five inches baited with any when using any bait, lure, or scent likely to attract a dog.; provided, that baited body gripping traps with a jaw spread up to 6 ˝ inches may be used when the trap is within an enclosure with openings no greater than 60 square inches and the trap trigger is recessed at least 12 inches from all openings; provided further that such traps must be staked to prevent them from turning over and may only be used on private lands with written permission of the landowner.

Rationale
The Virginia Trappers Association made a request at the August Board meeting to consider increasing the maximum size of baited body gripping traps used on land. This change would permit the use of baited 160 Conibear traps on private lands when they are set within "dog proof" enclosures. The 160 Conibear is an effective and humane trap for raccoons and an approved Best Management Practices trap endorsed by the International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. The requirement to place them in enclosures will minimize the opportunity for non-target captures of dogs.

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From: Robert Kane
To: Marshall.Davison@dgif.virginia.gov ; William.Greer@dgif.virginia.gov ; John.Montgomery@dgif.virginia.gov ; Richard.Railey@dgif.virginia.gov ; Will.McNeely@dgif.virginia.gov ; Sherry.Crumley@dgif.virginia.gov ; CT.Hill@dgif.virginia.gov ; Randy.Kozuch@dgif.virginia.gov ; Charles.Yates@dgif.virginia.gov ; Thomas.Stroup@dgif.virginia.gov ; James.Hazel@dgif.virginia.gov
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 12:35 PM
Subject: 2006 Proposed DGIF Regulations Pose Significant Threat to Virginia's Hunting Dogs

Chairperson Crumley and Gentlemen:

On behalf of tens of thousands of Old Dominion dog owners, the Virginia Hunting Dog Owners’ Association (VHDOA) most strenuously objects to this proposed change in the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries trapping regulations. Any increase in trap size puts dogs afield (and house cats) at very significant risk. There is no such thing as a "dog-proof" box. Moreover, this proposal fails to include the critical safety elements present in comparable eastern Canadian and other regulations, where dog hunting is far less prevalent than it is here in Virginia.

This ill-conceived and constructed regulation should be tabled and its basic premise reexamined. If the DGIF Board finds overwhelming support for such a risky and inhumane threat of canines, it should require

-- a box opening no more than five inches above ground,
-- more restrictive opening sizes and trigger setbacks,
-- restrictions forcing trap-box placements away from roads and buildings,
-- the special permitting of all persons using traps with openings more than five inches and
-- visible posting of all lands where larger opening traps are in use.

This idea is patently outrageous on its face. Please reject it out-of-hand.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Kane, President
Virginia Hunting Dog Owners' Association
http://vhdoa.uplandbirddog.com/

559 Thoroughfare Road
Brightwood, Virginia 22715
540-543-2312