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Post by Eric Rector on Nov 21, 2009 23:49:50 GMT -6
Tonight I received word from Ron Andrews that on Tues Nov 24th at 9:30 am, the supervisors in that county will be discussing eliminating ROW trapping during their regular meeting. It is his belief that they could do this because the county holds the easements for the ROW. They can make rules that are more restrictive than that of the state, so in essance they could accomplish this. Giving everyone a heads up on this to contact those supervisors and let them know how this will impact the trapper. Ron did not have any information on what is spurring this, only that he was contacted by the biologist for that region Chris LaRue who was contacted by one of the supervisors for that county. www.co.dickinson.ia.usThe above link will get you to their website, from there click on supervisors and the five board members will pop up, click on a name and your email program should bring up your email program on your computer. Be polite and courteous when writing please. The ITA president and other board members are aware of this and I'm sure will be moving on it.
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Post by dfox on Nov 22, 2009 10:24:34 GMT -6
holy crap!
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Post by reasnor on Nov 22, 2009 13:57:33 GMT -6
i dont think they could legally inforce this ordinance. i am a city council member and we could not get the sherrif to inforce some ordinances. because they were "NOT STATE LAW" they can adopt an oridiance but if it is not iowa code they would have a hard time inforcing i think dnr follows same iowa code. just my thoughts
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Post by Eric Rector on Nov 22, 2009 15:44:55 GMT -6
UPDATE FROM CRAIG SWEET, ITA PRESIDENT
THE ISSUE IS IN REGARDS TO SOME TRAIL PROPERTY THAT GOES AROUND THE LAKES AREA.
CURRENTLY TRAPPING IS ALLOWED AND THE ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH A 220 PLACED IN THE AREA OR ON THE TRAIL PROPERTY AND SOMEONE GOT CONCERNED ABOUT IT, NO ANIMAL WAS INVOLVED.
THE TOPIC THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED IS ABOUT THE TRAIL PROPERTY ONLY IN THAT COUNTY IS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE. THERE WILL BE SOME TRAPPERS AND ITA DIRECTOR GOING WITH DOG-PROOF AND CAGE TRAPS, PREPARED TO DISCUSS THE TOPIC IF NEEDED. IT WAS REPORTED TO ME THAT THE ISSUE WAS/IS ROW TRAPPING, NOT THE WHOLE COUNTY WILL BE INVOLVED, BUT STILL MAY LOOSE SOME GROUND OR METHODS OVER IT POSSIBLY.
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Post by ~ADC~ on Nov 22, 2009 18:47:14 GMT -6
Keeping us in the loop is why you're such a valued member here Eric. Keep up the good work. We REALLY appreciate it!!! ~ADC~
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Post by x-demoman on Nov 22, 2009 21:18:31 GMT -6
Like some of our earlier discussions on roadside trapping. It is a trapper uses his tools that makes it bad for everone. Just because it is legal does not mean it is right. This is a very high profile case and could set a precedent. That is the route Neb went was to give the counties the authority to regulate their road right of ways. Using the proper tools and little common sense goes a long ways. Remember the rules are not set for the majority but are caused by the minority. Good luck Tex and Eric. I know you will represent Iowas trappers well.
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Nick C
Active Trap Talker
Posts: 73
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Post by Nick C on Nov 22, 2009 22:10:08 GMT -6
Thanks for the heads up, and for those acting quick on this.
Like Gene said, the proper tools in the proper situations goes a long ways!!
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Post by TexA on Nov 23, 2009 7:21:40 GMT -6
THANKS for the notes guys.
reasnor..... According to Ron Andrews, I'm afraid you are incorrect in your assumption. The B-O-S does have that power!
I've talked with one of the Supervisors (he's on our side) and he told me there was a dog incident with a snare set along one of the Walking Trails. The dog was released, unharmed, but the person who turned-it-in was pushing the subject and it has since expanded to include the ditches in ALL OF DICKENSEN COUNTY.
The Walking & Biking Trails System in the county is extensive and is where this topic began, as I understand it. These trails extend around nearly every lake and some other DNR managed areas in that area.
(If this would make it into the Laws of Dickensen County, it could set a presidence in the whole STATE of IOWA, as well as other States. THIS IS A "BIG THING" Guys/Gals & we need your HELP to shut this down before it gets out-of-hand!)
The meeting of the Board of Supervisors will start on Tuesday morning at 9;00 a.m..November 24th, 2009. The meeting will be held in the Dickensen County Court House in Spirit Lake, IOWA.
Anyone, whether you trap in the ROW or not, is INVITED to be at the meeting. We will have the DNR represented as well as other helpful people. You attendance alone will be a great help for the cause. No one will be asked to speak, unless you want to CONSTRUCTIVELY add your comment when the subject comes up.
PLEASE, IF you can possibly attend - BE THERE.
Thank You Tex Adams Iowa Trappers Associatiion Director - District 23
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Post by Eric Rector on Nov 23, 2009 11:52:37 GMT -6
Looks like the battle begins tomorrow.....better be doing my homework on the subject
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Post by chasefan31 on Nov 23, 2009 12:59:46 GMT -6
Why would someone set snares near a walking/biking path to begin with? Sounds like a lack of common sense to me. It's these few idiots who ruin it for everyone else. This is a good example of why I wouldn't totally be against a mandatory trappers class to get a license similar to hunter's safety. Most trappers would love taking it anyway, and it could help stop uneducated kids from making mistakes like this. Hopefully the people involved will realize banning ROW trapping isn't the solution, but rather is being used just to please a mad dog owner who it will not benefit.
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Post by yanks178 on Nov 23, 2009 15:43:30 GMT -6
Why would someone set snares near a walking/biking path to begin with? Sounds like a lack of common sense to me. It's these few idiots who ruin it for everyone else. This is a good example of why I wouldn't totally be against a mandatory trappers class to get a license similar to hunter's safety. Most trappers would love taking it anyway, and it could help stop uneducated kids from making mistakes like this. Hopefully the people involved will realize banning ROW trapping isn't the solution, but rather is being used just to please a mad dog owner who it will not benefit. You have to remember what county you are dealing with. Dickinson county is full of very very rich stuck up jackarses. They whine until they get what they want and it wouldn't surprise me if there is money being handed around under the table. There are some residents in the county that think trapping is a redneck thing and they wouldn't want their other rich friends thinking those sort of activities happen near their million dollar homes.
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Post by dfox on Nov 23, 2009 18:22:52 GMT -6
Why would someone set snares near a walking/biking path to begin with? Sounds like a lack of common sense to me. It's these few idiots who ruin it for everyone else. This is a good example of why I wouldn't totally be against a mandatory trappers class to get a license similar to hunter's safety. Most trappers would love taking it anyway, and it could help stop uneducated kids from making mistakes like this. Hopefully the people involved will realize banning ROW trapping isn't the solution, but rather is being used just to please a mad dog owner who it will not benefit. You have to remember what county you are dealing with. Dickinson county is full of very very rich stuck up jackarses. They whine until they get what they want and it wouldn't surprise me if there is money being handed around under the table. There are some residents in the county that think trapping is a redneck thing and they wouldn't want their other rich friends thinking those sort of activities happen near their million dollar homes. Yup, lots of rich yuppies and bunny huggers taking over that area.
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Post by TexA on Nov 23, 2009 18:59:19 GMT -6
This is NO TIME for venting your personal feeling guys! It is SERIOUS BUSINESS and getting this stopped ASAP is of utmost importance. We need your HELP at the meeting tomorrow morning. Comments at the meeting are not required, YOUR presence and CONTROLLED COMMENTS will be be welcomed. PLEASE Join us.............
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Post by Eric Rector on Nov 23, 2009 21:50:59 GMT -6
For those that may think this is not a serious issue, taken from the website
TENTATIVE MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Dickinson County Courthouse, 1802 Hill Avenue, Suite 1510, Spirit Lake, IA 9:30 A.M. * Pledge of Allegiance *Kathy Fahy—update on Tower interior project *approve agreement/authorize signature for rail banking purchase of IANW Railroad between Trails Board and IDOT *allowance of claims *discussion of trapping ban on county-owned land and right-of-way *Non-actionable board items presented
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Post by yanks178 on Nov 23, 2009 21:53:50 GMT -6
For those that may think this is not a serious issue, taken from the website TENTATIVE MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Dickinson County Courthouse, 1802 Hill Avenue, Suite 1510, Spirit Lake, IA 9:30 A.M. * Pledge of Allegiance *Kathy Fahy—update on Tower interior project *approve agreement/authorize signature for rail banking purchase of IANW Railroad between Trails Board and IDOT *allowance of claims * discussion of trapping ban on county-owned land and right-of-way*Non-actionable board items presented BigT- You talk to Ed and Mike about this? You guys should go down, I won't be back in time.
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Post by TexA on Nov 24, 2009 7:06:45 GMT -6
yanks178.....
I talked to Ed yesterday. He said Mike would be in the area on Tuesday they both WOULD be at the meeting.
Later
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Post by hillbillyken on Nov 24, 2009 7:28:03 GMT -6
Tex- please tell use how the meeting turns out.....I would have been there but just got the news this morning Nov. 24th, sorry...may the trapping Gods show favor upon us this day
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Post by ringtail on Nov 24, 2009 7:36:59 GMT -6
Good luck guys, sure dont need to get this started throughout the state county by county!
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Post by k9 on Nov 24, 2009 8:50:19 GMT -6
I just was clearing my emails after two weeks of not being on the computer and saw the alert on this. I am sorry I am too late to attend this meeting. If passed this county ordinance CAN BE ENFORCED to the fullest extent so this is a serious issue and not a paper tiger. I will be interested in hearing of any future meetings regarding this issue, as often issues are tabled and there may be more meetings about it. Too bad you can't load the meeting with some Dickenson County trappers and farmers who support ROW trapping. Anyone contacting these board members please be respectful in your responses. Also, before you throw the issue at them that our license fees pay for those walking trails etc make sure that is true. Many of the bike paths and walking trails are not funded by our fees and those BOD members will likely know how thiers were funded. Most counties have a "dogs at large" ordinance. It would be interesting to know if Dickenson County has one that was being violated at the time the dog got caught. Tex and the others are correct, this is going to set bad precedence if it passes. If it passes, I assume ITA will be looking at the pros and cons of challenging this? Staked down trail snares to not kill dogs especially with no entanglement. In fact, it is one of the safest traps to catch a dog in. It is people's lack of understanding of a staked down trail snare that make them want to react negatively to it without understanding how it treats a caught animal. Especially one that is used to being tied. An effective method of presenting the concept of staked down trail snares to a group of non trappers is frankly to compare it to tying out your dog on a leash
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Post by k9 on Nov 24, 2009 8:52:05 GMT -6
Any of you guys who are knee deep into this feel free to call me if you are getting together bodies for future meetings or events over there. I am not going to be "regular" on the computer for a few weeks, but will probably be checking in on this thread quite a bit.
My number is 641 751 8400
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Post by paulb on Nov 24, 2009 10:49:26 GMT -6
i just got home from the meeting,,,ROW trapping is safe for now in dickinson county!!!!,,trappers were very well represted by the DNR,,ITA and the general trapping population,,,,i did not hear anyone who was in favor of the ban,,,but then i had been told by the local radio station this item would be discussed at 10:45 and i got there at 10:00,,,and it was well on its way into the discussion,,,we are lucky to have the support of the DNR and the ITA,,,thank you to both,,,,tex will probally have a full report as soon as he gets home,,,,,
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Post by k9 on Nov 24, 2009 11:46:07 GMT -6
Thanks to those who made it and represented the rest of us.
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Post by Pinky "P" on Nov 24, 2009 13:50:11 GMT -6
Nice Job !
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Post by djia on Nov 24, 2009 15:42:46 GMT -6
Good Job!
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Post by hillbillyken on Nov 24, 2009 17:28:55 GMT -6
GEAT JOB TO ALL INVOLVED...WAY TO RALLY THE FORCES!
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Post by TexA on Nov 24, 2009 18:39:27 GMT -6
I just got home from "other duties" but no I had the "BOSS" tell me Supper was ready, so I better go or I eat with the dog......
Over all - I (and others ) were veryu pleased with the turn-out and verbal support from all who attended.
I'll get on here later and try to explain a little more what went on.
Later Tex
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Post by TexA on Nov 24, 2009 22:59:05 GMT -6
OK, I'll try to put this all in prospective.
First off, the attendance from other trappers was great! THANK YOU all for attending.
The importance of the Service that we, as trappers, do throughout the State was noted and agreed upon. Our personal Service in the control of animal populations is very appreciated by the DNR as well as the residents in all areas of the State. Without Trappers, we would surely have more animal control problems in all areas of the State. As it is, we trappers are able to control some of those populations at NO COST to the other citiczens of the State. Without US, someone would have to pay for that service.
Here's a synopsis of the days meeting in Spirit Lake....
The Trapper who set the trap in the first place WAS LEGAL. No Charges were filed against him.
The dog that was caught should have been on a leash. There is NO Leash Law, just a request, that people keep their pets on a leash, or under control and clean up after their pet.
The party that complained about the trap/snare was not informed, or did not know, what the Laws concerning trapping were, and reported the situation to one of the County Supervisors. The Supervisor was compeled to bring it up to his BOD. Ignorance of the Law is no excuse however.
So, here is the situation: Across the State of IOWA, there are numerous Walking and Biking Trails in and around the larger cities and municipalities. Some of these Trails are controled by the County Conservation Board and others are controled by other offices within the cities. Some of these Trails are within the cities, and some of them go through State owned property, controled by the IOWA Conservation Department. No other Laws are on the books for those areas, so the present Laws pertaining to Right-of-Ways stand.
At this time, No Action was taken about what should be done, with the Public's Safety in mind, concerning trapping along those Trails. Ron Andrews will be taking ideas given at the meeting in Spirit Lake,, back to Des Moines and informing the powers-that-be of some of the suggestions brought up as to what should/could be done in respect to these Trails throughout the State.
Nothing has been ruled on, or changed, at this time. The DNR will have to discuss and decide what/if any rule changes, of any kind, should be implemented in the future, concerning these Walking/Biking Trails.
Signage was one suggestion that could be posted along those Trails, so as to keep the users aware of any trapping activity which might be taking place at given times of the year. Wording of such signs would notify users that trapping was being conducted adjacent to the Trails.
So, for the time-being, nothing has changed. It will be noted by the DNR and they will make any changes (through out the State) as to what should be done along those Walking/Biking Trails, if any are in order. Trails are increasing across the whole State.
Common Sense and an Awareness of other people using these Trails should be kept in mind by ALL who use these Trails. Act accordingly and we can all use these trails for our own type of recreation.
So, that's about it, as I remember it anyway.
Again, My Sincere THANK YOU to all who attended the meeting.
Sincerely,
Tex Adams IOWA TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION Director District 23 Estherville, IOWA
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Post by centraliowa (ryan) on Nov 25, 2009 6:18:01 GMT -6
thank you for rallying the troops and keeping everybody informed. very good information and very good job with communication. thank you
ryan
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Post by trappinia on Nov 25, 2009 14:28:14 GMT -6
Thank you for keeping us informmed ,and stying on top of this for all of us.
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Post by grundyiatrapper on Nov 25, 2009 15:20:44 GMT -6
thanks for the info and to all that attended
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