By Guy Page
At a public informational meeting tomorrow night, the public may learn about and comment on proposed trapping regulation changes, including:
- All base plates must feature a center chain mount with swivel, with free moving chains that allow mobility for animals caught.
- No foothold trap shall be set on land with a spread of more than 6 ¼ inches.
- Meat based bait used in conjunction with trapping shall be covered [with brush, leaves, soil, etc.] at the time the trap is set.
- No meat-based baited, body gripping traps shall be set on the ground, unless enclosed according to specific directions. These traps are allowed underwater and at least five feet above the ground.
- No traps set in a designated walking or hiking trail bed on any public land.
These proposals are among the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife’s draft trapping regulations for discussion at a public meeting at White River Valley High School, 223 S. Windsor St. in South Royalton, from 6:30 – 9:00 pm on Tuesday, November 29. The meeting is for informational purposes and no decision will be made.