how to properly tag traps

[obxtrapper]

i got called today to do an ADC job and the lady told me there was traps on the property already but they had no success. When i got there i saw the traps and looked at them. After i wrote her the damage permit she could not beleive i had to write out a damage permit for wildlife. I told her in order to trap wildlife out of season you must have damage permit issued to you wether a game warden or a damage control agent.

Here is the proper tags you can get away with.


The top on is a guy that does trapping here for wildlife so nobody kills them. He is a Freinds of Felines of Hatteras island member. the second photo is a tagged trap of Outer Banks Pest control only one guy is a licensed( the owner of co.) ADC agent. (but no permit issued) and runs his business of 20 employees 60 miles from where this trap is set. Just wanted to show what you can get away with when game commission doesnt care.


these are even illegal if you would read the regulations. Break out your magic markers boys! why buy those nice tags to put on your traps when a sharpie is good enough! Dont forget your name and phone number only.

[woodsman]

I just wasted a ton of money on copper tags Joey. Hey man sorry we got cut off on the phone. I was in a bad reception area, my back yard LOL. I'll try and call ya back tomorrow evening, Tony

[wildman]

For years, I've had the blessings of several Wildlife LEOs on my laminated paper tags. They last for two to three years (one in water) but are legal. Cost? 25 cents per 100. Copper ones are nicer, of course, more professional looking. Remember, guys, that we have to do it right--even when the others do it wrong. If we lower our standards to theirs, we are the ones who will be punished.
I say call the cops and report illegal trapping--even if they technically are not (sounds like they are) the hassle for them will be worthwhile:-). Plus, YOU are on the radar as having reported a crime--that's good way to be a blip.

[obxtrapper]

The bad thing wildman is i had reported a previous wrong doing with pictures of a county animal control breaking wildlife laws. I went thru all the proper athorities and all i got is that they would look into it. It made me feel like it was all for nothing that they would not even put the effort into checking it out or returning a phone call.
The ADC course should be advanced trappers education course done by the NCTA and the wildlife commission. Then maybe all these people getting ADC licensed would have a better understanding of what ADC work really involves other than going to Ag Supply and buying a few cage traps and putting them in a yard to catch an animal.

[wildman]

I concur on the course, brother. I also firmly believe ADC certification should be required if Animal Control people are going to deal with wild critters. The NCTA/WRC course would be simpler and cheaper than some of the other certifications they are required to get. Thankfully, the three dog wardens I deal with USUALLY call a trapper (not just me) if a job involves wild things.

One thing I've learned as a newspaperman--DON'T quit calling! I am not sure what part of the Banks you're on, but some of the community papers out there are semi-outdoors friendly, and not government-cuddlers. Ask for the county government reporter. Point out that (a) county employees or contrators are breaking the law (b) their supervisors don't care amd (c) tax dollars are being used to beat down a tax-paying small businessman. Also, make sure you give them contacts for the WRC folks who can comment on this. Make it easy, and you make the story more attractive.
Don't let the editor or reporter hear your anger--emotions tend to make me suspicious when someone calls me about a government foot-shooting.
If you lack a decent community newspaper, go gulp and call a TV station. But be extremely careful. It's easier to research a TV reporter than a print writer, so pick and choose your contact carefully when going to broadcast. Use the same other principles--calm, professional, why it's important, and who else to talk to.
Keep it straight, keep it simple, and if the reporter fouls up--politely raise the devil with that person's boss.
For what it's worth, that's how I'd handle it.

[obxtrapper]

I just got called by NC law enforcement officer C.P.White and he told me it was legal to to use a sharpie on cage traps! as long as you have your name, address and phone number it is legal! Its pretty funny but cage traps are illegal in NC but over looked by game commission!

[rye]

Wait WAit.. did you just say that Cage Traps are illegal in NC?

[Ldsoldier]

Technically

[rye]

Technically?

how so? They preached their use in the ADC class.. this is interesting!

[Ldsoldier]

They are not specified in the regulations, therefore illegal. They have a pretty big jawspread, too Its a technicality, and its a gray area, but technically they are illegal. Similar principle to the 280's a few years ago, they are not covered in the regs.

[rye]

Hmmm.. sounds like a new cause at hand

I'll have to mention this during the September meeting with the WRC.

[blueridge]

I haven't been here in a long time, and I saw this thread and had to comment.

Cage traps are no more illegal than baiting deer on private land. There is no law that specifically allows or disallows the use of cage traps (they are not addressed, as mentioned earlier.) And since no law prohibits it, therefore it is legal.

Without a rule or statute probhiting a given practice, it is not illegal. In other words, for something to be legal, you don't need the government's permission to tell you that it is. It is the government's responsibility to tell the public what is illegal, and what may not be done.

Traps tags are required by statute on traps of type: "steel jaw, leghold, or conibear...". Do you currently put tags on beaver snares?

§ 113 291.6. Regulation of trapping.
(a) No one may take wild animals by trapping upon the land of another without having in his possession written permission issued and dated within the previous year by the owner of the land or his agent. This subsection does not apply to public lands on which trapping is not specifically prohibited, including tidelands, marshlands, and any other untitled land.
(b) No one may take wild animals by trapping with any steel jaw, leghold, or conibear trap unless it: ...

If you have any doubts, though, the best practice is to tag everything, as you won't get a ticket for having tagged traps, snares, or anything else.

As far as issues go, cage traps are a non-issue.

[rye]

Blueridge,

yes, I tag my snares and extension cables.

[Ldsoldier]

Blueridge, if you can afford to take the time off work to argue with the Game Warden and the Judge, have at it. Personally I can't afford it. (And yes, I tag anything I have out, back to that whole "can't afford the time at court" thing, especially for something as silly as a trap tag).

[varmintshooter]

"Cage traps are no more illegal than baiting deer on private land. There is no law that specifically allows or disallows the use of cage traps (they are not addressed, as mentioned earlier.) And since no law prohibits it, therefore it is legal."

The regulation digest is not the final word. You also have the general statues and the NC administrative code. Cage traps are illegal. NC law, if it does not specify you can do it, you can't.