We're all in for the Maine outdoors



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Maine is a place for all outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, birders, hunters, trappers, and more

woman walking through the woods in the fall with her two dogs on leash wearing orange vests

 

If you are out enjoying Maine's outdoors, remember that it is trapping season and trappers may be using the same private or public land.

Regulated trapping is an important wildlife management tool. It helps maintain healthy, abundant wildlife populations, allows habitats to thrive, and keeps a balance between wildlife populations and people. Regulated trapping does not cause wildlife species to become endangered or extinct. In fact, without it, some wildlife populations would grow too large for their own good – which can lead to increased disease (mange and rabies), starvation, and conflicts with people. Overpopulation of certain species can also prove detrimental to other species such as ground nesting birds.

 

Trapping is scientifically managed by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and these regulations are enforced by Maine Game Wardens. 

 

If you happen to come across a trap, remember that except in certain circumstances, trappers must have landowner permission to be there. Please remember it is unlawful to disturb traps, disturb any wild animal caught in a trap, or harvest an animal that is caught in someone else’s trap even if you suspect illegal activity. The best course of action is to contact the landowner or a game warden by calling the dispatch center nearest you [ [link removed] ].

 

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open trap

 

*If your dog is unleashed, there is a remote chance they may get their foot stuck in a trap. If this unlikely event occurs, stay calm and follow these steps:*

A dog’s reaction to being caught in a foothold trap can vary from calm to frightened, but upon being released, they do not normally sustain injury. Foothold traps are designed to hold an animal by the foot, and not injure the animal. Our biologists use foothold traps to catch and release wildlife species unharmed. The most common type of foothold trap used in Maine is shown here. If your dog gets caught in one of them, follow these steps:

 

*Stay calm and get help:* If available, get a second person to assist you.

 

*Protect yourself:* Some dogs may be calm, others may be frightened and attempt to bite, especially as the trap is removed from their foot. Protect yourself by securing the dog’s muzzle using a jacket or vest, or by placing a barrier between you and the dog.

*Open the trap:* If possible, pull the trap chain tight from the anchor point and put the trap flat on the ground. To open the trap, push down using your hands or feet on the levers located at either end of the jaws (see arrows in the image).This will release tension on the jaws and allow you to remove the dog’s foot.

*Respect the trapper, and obey the law:* It is unlawful to take or destroy a trap without permission from the owner.

 

*Prevent future incidents:* Follow leash laws and keep your dog on a leash. 









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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife ·41 State House Station · Augusta, ME 04333-0041 · (207) 287-8000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]