How to release a dog from a foothold trap?

[Chip]

I was walking a two track on state land with the wife and dog tonight looking for grouse. Unfortunately, instead of finding birds, my dog found a trap!:rant: This was a pretty tramatic experience for us, and I've never had anything like this happen in the past. Obviously, the first thing we did was try to figure out how to get the trap off of her foot. It seemed like it took forever to figure that thing out, but my wife discovered the lever and the dog ran free. The dog seems unharmed as of right now, so that is good. However, this raises a few questions that I've never really thought of and I figured I would ask here.

First, what can I do as a bird hunter to avoid having my dog ever get into a trap again?

Second, is it common for traps to be right on/immediately next to paths/roads?

Third, I left the trap up in a tree so the guy would hopefully realize it was sprung on a human's pet rather than the target. What should I have done in terms of proper ettiquette?

Fourth, what equipment should I bring with me in case I ever run across a trap problem again? I guess tied to that would be what sort of skills should I learn?

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks, Chip

[uptracker]

Well, I hope some other people help out here a bit.

Seems like you're taking it pretty good and we appreciate that. For one, your dog should be just fine.

As for being a bird hunter, there's not too much you can do to avoid the traps. They are usually hidden pretty well.

2nd, it is pretty common for traps to be set on travel ways.

3rd, leaving it in the tree will be just fine. Maybe next time just leave it off to the side and a bit out of sight until the trapper gets back to it the next day.

4th, you really shouldn't need any equipment to release a dog from a foothold trap. The two levers on the sides just push down and release the animals foot. Sometimes it does take a bit of elbow grease. You may want to test one out at a sporting goods store to understand how they work and a few others that are on the market.

Let us know if you have other questions. Im sure you'll get more replies.

[muckamuck4]

1. Nothing different, i dont think anyone on public land should have traps near walkways of people and their pets.

2. I dont know if its common. I personally dont trap pulic land, but i dont think that it was the smartest thing for a trapper to set his trap on a public walkway.

3. I would have done the same thing.

4. The only thing you can do is learn how to work the different types of traps. If you trust your dog then you dont need anything, but to release unwanted animals most people will place a crate over the animal with its trapped foot sticking out and then take the trap off.

[Linda G.]

Unfortunately, a lot of people can't get permission to trap anywhere but on public land. Even up here, where everyone complains about coyotes and foxes, it's still tough, especially if there's a deer hunter out there. Might scare their deer...:rolleyes:

Given my choice, I would not trap public land at all unless it's WAYYYY out in the back of beyond, not because of concerns about dogs or people getting into it, but because of concerns that someone might STEAL it.

But I've never had a trap stolen, so I must be far enough off the beaten path.

But no, I wouldn't set a trap anywhere where someone might walk. But dogs can smell them, and are often drawn to them by the lure used, which is SUPPOSED to draw canines-coyotes and foxes.

[predator_caller]

Chip,

Coming from a long-time trapper, I hope I can help. First of all I am very sorry for your incident. I know for sure it was,nt me, but I also know that it had to be a terrible situation. A trapper with any common sence should realize that trapping on state ground has it's risks. Myself: i would never want to subject my traps to pets, or simple loss, and state land is a perfect place for both. The trapper in question should have used better judgement.
Now for your questions:

There is absolutely nothing you as a simple passer-bye with your dog, that you could easily do. The traps when set properly will be hidden and totally disguised. It was probably some sort of flat set, or dirt-hole set. Which means the trap is below the ground and covered very carefully with sand. To the average person, you will not notice it at all. They are then baited with scent to attract the Coyote or fox, which your unfortunate canine found interesting as well.

The traps are most always found on two-tracks, trails and road edges, as canines like most humans are predominantly lazy. they will use the path of least resistance any time they can, just as we do. Trappers know and understand this, and use it to increase their odds and make a higher percentage chance of catching the targeted animal. Which unfortunately has it's drawbacks. If I had a dollar for every skunk I pulled from one of my flat sets, i'd probably skip trapping all togather and go to Alaska for 3 weeks.

Putting his/her trap up in the tree was in my opinion the right thing to do. Obviously the trapper was not to afraid to lose his trap, or he would'nt have set it on state land to begin with. Before I get to far here: I respect you for the way you handled the situation, and not going ballistic and raising a big fuss over the whole thing. I can honestle say you took that tramatic experience very well, and I'm sure the trapper thanks you, and if he realizes what happened there I hope he feels pretty stupid. So to answer your question: you handled it very well, and then some.

I would probably have some sort of liquid bandage along for a cut if there is one. I have been known to carry along anything my dog would need for his pads, and legs as far as first-aid stuff. He will probably limp for a while, but should be o.k. I would take the time to learn how to set and operate different types of traps, just in case. If you ever make it to Jays Sporting goods in Clare, stop and ask for "Jim in Archery", and I will personally show you how to operate them, and tell you thank you for handling it so well. If I don't happen to be there, i am sure someone in game calls will be more than happy to show you.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask. Again: thank you for taking it so well, and on behalf of the trapper; I'm sure he thanks you as well for not ruining his trap, or worse; taking it.
Take care, and hope this helps.
Jim

[Northcountry]

This is another excellent thread and I generally agree with the answers given....so I wont re-state them.

I do feel that we must all remember that public land is enjoyed by lots of people with a variety of interests....and thats great.

You had as much right to be bird hunting or walking, as the trapper had to set the trail edge (I cant comment on his choice of location, obviously). There is no right or wrong party here...the trapper was "messed up" just as your walk was "messed up".

We must expect some interference from others. Its the very nature of public land. Morel hunters walk up on turkey hunters and spoil their hunt. Hikers and target shooters do their thing within a stones throw of a deer hunter on stand, and collared bird dogs trot under bow stands and spook off deer that are about to be shot by the archer (my personal experience).

Nobody's wrong....their paths just crossed as they were each out enjoying the woods.

This is a positive, constructive thread and I am just trying to contribute with a "broad brush" reminder that we should expect innocent interference once in awhile, as we enjoy public land.

[FREEPOP]

Sorry about your bad experience.

I set a trap for a woodchuck by my wood pile. Well the %$#@! women didn't watch the dogs like I told her and yup, beagle boy in a trap. Tinny amounts of blood and no limping the next day.
Some dogs go balistic, throw a coat over him to get control. Learn various trap designs just in case.

I hope this is your first and last experience with this.

[Liv4Trappin]

I quickly read through this thread and everybody has given very good replies.The only thing that came to my mind when i read about putting the trap in the tree for the trapper.Did the trap have the proper I.D. tag on it or not?If so then the dog walker could have contacted him to talk it over.If it did not then he was in violation of the law.

Mike

[Joe R.]

Chip,

First of all I think you handled the situation very well for never having an experience with a trap before.
The first thing to remember if it every happens again is to remain calm. You remaining calm will reassure your dog that everything is going to be all right. No special equipment is required to release the dog from the trap. I would recommend removing your hunting coat and holding it over the dogs head. This should help calm the dog and will keep him from nipping at you when you go to release the trap. Once you cover your dogs head step on the spring levers with your feet. Even the weight of a small boy is enough to compress the springs on most foothold traps. Although there is nothing wrong with what you did by hanging the trap in a tree. I would suggest just leaving it lay on the ground so another passer by doesn't notice it and walk off with it.

Joe

[Chip]

I want to thank you all for giving me some valuable feedback. To Jim at Jay's, my wife wants to learn about how traps work also. If you could PM me some of the days you work late or on weekends, I would really appreciate it. Also, someone asked about the ID tag. It had a name and the county on it. I felt it would be better to get some advice from people outside the situation before I yellow paged the trap owner. I might still look him up, but probably not. Another response hit my thought on this perfectly- basically stating that we share public land. I guess the biggest things I learned were the basics:
1. Cover dog with jacket to avoid getting nipped (should have thought of that yesterday).
2. Remain calm (rather than freaking out like I did, not one of my better moments).
3. Have a dog 1st aid kit (should probably already have this for whatever comes up).
4. Leave the trap where I found it if possible.

Thanks again to everyone who added something. This turned out to be a heck of a learning experience. Feel free to add something, I'll still dig around here even though I don't trap. I think its just cool to see some of your sets and animals. Take care.

Sincerely,
Chip

[Dave Lyons]

Hey Chip you ever hunt in Traverse City area or just come here to visit?? If you do let me know when your going to be coming into town. I live a little west of T.C. but I have held many trapping clinics just for dog owners.

Dave

[Ed Michrina]

Chip we need 200 more of you in the woods. Nicely handled. Most people that don't know traps think the things will break a 2x4. I don't blame you for not remaining calm. I believe leg hold traps are made to hold not injure on contact, correct me if I'm wrong. I'm like you, enjoy trapping via our forum.

[David G Duncan]

Chip,

First, let me commend you for the mature manner, in which you and your wife handled your dogs unfortunate encounter with a foothold trap.

The lessons you outlined are excellent ! And as always, the members on our trapping forum have really stepped up to the plate; with outstating responses to your question.

Foothold traps are very forgiving on a dogs paw and fairly easy for a non-trapper to remove. But this is not the case for a conibear trap, which is designed to kill the target animal.

Even though it is unlawful for conibears of a size large enough to capture a dog to be set on the ground, it would be a good idea if you also were to received some training on how to release a dog from one of these traps.

A short piece of rope with a loop in one end large enough for you place your foot in, is a very handy and easy to carry item, which everyone taking their dogs for runs in the woods would be well adviced to have in their coat pocket. This rope is looped though the trap springs to give a mechanical advantage to compress each spring, one at a time, so a small hook can be put in place to keep the spring compressed.

Thanks again for your very constructive posting.

[tbbassdaddy]

Awesome post!!! I learned something myself!!! Thanks to all you fine trappers for assisting!!!
tb

[FREEPOP]

There's information here on how to release dogs

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10363_10880-171089--,00.html

[bradym54]

I just freed my cat from a trap I set for coon by throwing a heavy jacket on it then stepping on springs.not hard just thought id say something


Brady

[jnracing]

Michigan law at all times requires dogs to be under control and on a leash while on anything other than private property. This is not a part of hunting regulations, but rather falls under general criminal law.

Michigan DNR
Law Enforcement Division Customer (joshua nettleton)11/20/2008 01:38 PM i have a 3-month old blue tick coonhound registered through ukc and a 2 year old treeing walker coonhound i was wondering if i take them night hunting what i need with me other than leashes and fur harvester permit and if it is legal for me to open release them on state land in oakland county by camp tamarack

only michigan can make a rule to screw all hound hunters i called on this reply and was told that all dogs even retrievers and bird dogs are to be on a leash the gentelman said "sir get a longer leash"