Why don't trappers make their traps more selective?

Post date: Apr 2, 2012 5:21:51 AM

Why do trappers prefer not to elevate or submerge their body-gripping traps as suggested in Minnesota Senate Bill S.F. No. 1736 and House Bill H.F. No. 2243, or use other selective trapping methods?

• Dog-proof raccoon traps work only for racoons, so they can't do double duty (like the traps that kill dogs can).
• Elevated traps work only for animals that climb; like racoons, fishers, martens, perhaps bobcats, etc. They can't do double duty (like the traps that kill dogs can).
• Traps can't always be submerged if the ice is too thick or the water isn't deep enough.