Ban Leg Trapping In New
Mexico
1) It is a well known, if not well documented, fact that poaching
wild animals is widespread in New Mexico and that poaching has
existed, unabated, for many decades despite the best efforts of
law enforcement. In Northern New Mexico particularly, killing
large game (chiefly bears and mountain lions) is considered in
many families to be a right of passage into manhood for young
male adults. By it’s own nature, the extent of poaching of
wild game is unaccountable. Given the fact that the Office of New
Mexico Game & Fish has neither the budget, the man power, nor
the means to conduct such monitoring, allowing legalized trapping
of species for which there is no reliable means to establish
population numbers seems no less than absurd.
2) Trapping poses a serious treat to the natural order of
predator and prey. Traps attract preditorary species. Certain
species, such as mountain lions, are extremely territorial. The
killing (accidental or intentional) of a single male mountain
lion, which may dominate up to 100 square miles of territory,
poses a serious imbalance to the natural order by removing prime
individuals from the breeding population.
3) Traps are indiscriminate and just as likely to kill untargeted
animals including those on the endangered species list for which
vast amounts of public funds are spent to protect. In view of the
fact that there is no reliable means of monitoring species
populations, reducing and possibly even exterminating selected
(profitable) species, (a.k.a. furbearers), does not seem
reasonable.
4) Traps pose a serious threat to pet owners and there are many
documented cases of domestic pets as well as unsuspecting hikers
being injured by traps. In many cases, it is virtually impossible
to open these traps and, as stated by current (and seemingly
absurd) law, it is illegal for anyone other than the owner of the
trap to remove it. Owners of traps are required, by law, to
inspect their traps once per day, but enforcing this law is
virtually impossible. In at least one recent case, a leg hold
trap was set on private land directly adjacent to a heavily
populated area (El Dorado, NM) where children and domestic pets
are known to exist in abundance. Technically speaking this
trapper did not violate the law, however, it seems clear that he
(and probably the ranch owner) did not have the welfare of the
general population in mind. When profit is the motivation,
expecting trappers to exercise common sense is non-sense.
5) Children under age 12 are not required to obtain a trapping
license. Merely allowing children access to such dangerous
devices would qualify as child endangerment in most other states,
but then, New Mexico isn't like other states in many respects. I
don’t need anyone telling me what it is like, I have lived
in Northern New Mexico for 27 years.
6) Trapping violates the rights of all outdoor enthusiasts who
wish to enjoy the full spectrum of New Mexico Wildlife. This
includes hikers, campers, photographers and tourists. In a state
that relies heavily on tourism for a substantial portion of
its’ income, trapping does little to encourage visitors to
come here and risk mutilation of their pets and family members in
traps.
7) In point of fact, trapping serves only a select few who profit
directly from its’ practice. It can be reasonably stated
that trapping serves a special interest minority (with common
motivation and operations) at the expense of all New Mexicans.
New Mexico Game and Fish is charged with the responsibility of
protecting our wildlife for all the citizens of New Mexico, yet a
recent poll indicates that 63% of the population polled oppose
trapping and would support a ban on it. Only 41 % of those polled
were aware that trapping is legal in New Mexico. Once informed,
most are outraged that such activities are legal and condoned in
their state. To further complicate matters, New Mexico Game and
Fish has a vested interest in selling trapping licenses since the
proceeds of trapping licenses contribute to their operating
budget. This appears to be a conflict of interest.
8) New Mexico has on it’s books laws which protect domestic
(i.e. household) pets from unreasonable abuse while allowing wild
animals to suffer prolonged and agonizing death in leg traps. Any
civilized being would object to such behavior, especially when
the primary motivation is monetary profit for a select few. Some
animals have been known to chew off their own legs in an effort
to free themselves. Even then most of these animals die from
their injuries. The mere reference to profitable
“Furbearing” species as “Game Animals” speaks
volumes about the mindset of those who participate or condone
such behavior. I seriously doubt that animals, which are made to
suffer in traps, consider it to be much of a game. I would be
more than happy, however, to solicit the opinion of a trapper
caught in one. Unfortunately, as stated by current N.M. law, I
would not be able to release him from his own trap.
9) I can not express strongly enough my disgust and contempt for
those who practice or condone animal trapping of any kind. These
words are my own and I stand by them. You are entitled to your
own views and, if you so choose, you can argue the point until
you are blue in the face, it won't make any difference to me.
Trapping animals is IMMORAL, it is WRONG and it needs to STOP.
Furthermore, while trapping remains legal in New Mexico, I will
continue to inform as many people as possible about this barbaric
activity and I will encourage my out-of-state friends to visit
places other than New Mexico (i.e. safer places) on their next
vacations.
See also: http://riogrande.sierraclub.org/trapping/Index.htm
(webcrafting by LX&R Design)
If you wish to voice
your opinion about trapping, don't tell me,
tell the New Mexico Game & Fish Commissioners.
Rick Winslow
New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish
PO Box 25112, Santa Fe, NM 87504
frederic.winslow@state.nm.us
Please be polite.