Author Topic: Trap tag information (Read 435 times)

T-Rex · « **on:** September 15, 2003, 04:37:07 AM »

This year I have modifyed all of my traps and need all new tags. In Minnesota, the requirement is name and address, OR driver's license number. I have just used the license number in the past, so as to stay somewhat anonymous. Now, I am thinking maybe actual identification, may be better, so I could be contacted directly by an individual in case of an incident, rather than to have the State of Minnesota hunt me down.

Does anyone have any comments, or personal experience either way, that they would like to share?
T-Rex

Edge · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2003, 06:12:14 AM »

In MI,we're supposed to have the liscense # too;not information that I like to make public.I talked to our DNR about just my name & ph#,I trap several counties,and all the local co's ok'd the change.
I feel that my name and ph # is more likely to reduce thefts,and encourage contact should a trap be found.I probably would not go thru the hassle of running someones liscense # and figure most other people won't either.
Keep in mind that I trap 99% private land,and am for the most part,the only trapper on the property.

Edge

Mallard · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2003, 06:18:45 AM »

If there is an "incident" then the people that find your trap/tag can call the DNR and give them your drivers license number and they in turn will get a hold of you. I would rather it be this way because I know that I'm leagaly set in all of my locations, and no one should have a need to look at my tags unless something was out of order in some way. I see no need to let every bunny hugger that roams the forest know who I am. DanMich and I ran into an anti that posessed several of our tagged traps, and God knows what this freak would have done should she know both of our real names instead of just a number. Dan pushed the matter to the end, and she was prosocuted for stealing them. I still don't know if she knows who nailed her.

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2003, 06:20:43 AM »

In NM we have to have our traps and snares IDed with either our name etc. or a State issued Trappers ID#. This is nice since they are much shorter than our drivers # and I stamp them into the base plate of the trap. I like the fact that not every Tom (not Olson), Dick and Harry can find where I live. I figure if they are going to steal the trap they will regardless. I too set traps mostly behind locked gates. Snares I'll set in open country.

One other thing, for my snare tags I buy aluminum flashing. It cuts easily with a paper cutter, costs about $6 for enough to make 500 tags, stamps easily and is much stronger than the write on tags.

Tim B · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2003, 07:24:32 AM »

Im not crazy about leaving my address for thiefs either but MO law says you must have your full name and address on your tags. I think a name and a permit # should be enough. I trap several state areas that are open to the public.
Tim B

T-Rex · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2003, 11:12:48 AM »

Very interesting responses!
It sounds like general opinion is that a "PIN" number of some sort is the general preference. I think I will continue to use my driver's license number.
It also sounds like at least a few states need some lobbying from their Trapper's association, to get their requirements changed.
In this day of instantly available data, any law enforcement agency, can quickly and easily get the specifics, and keep the anti's from potential harassment.
T-Rex

RdFx · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2003, 03:12:37 PM »

Here in Wisc we have been trying to get Pin nbrs on trap tags but for the last two yrs just before it was to be voted on it was tabled for one reason or other. We are going to try again as i agree dont need our life history on tag for antis ect. Let them contact Dnr for nbr and let Dnr take it fm there.

Asa Lenon · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2003, 03:30:27 PM »

In fifty years i've never had a problem with having my name and address on a trap tag. I have had scores of traps brought right to my house when a hunter's dog was caught in it or some such encounter. If my name hadn't been on the tag, they probably would have just flung the trap into the bushes or left it by the set for every passerby to see and steal. Ace

jim-NE · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2003, 06:07:55 PM »

I like having my name on my trap tags, myself. I give the tag information to all of my landowners, too. If they run across a trap or snare on their land that doesn't bear my tag information, they have all the info they need to help the local law inforcement officials with the trespassing laws, etc. The landowners seem very receptive to the law and I have never had a problem yet.
For snares, where the trap is pretty much a one-shot set, I cut tags from aluminum soft drink cans and then use a nail to inscribe the legal info. This aluminum material "rolls" nicely around the cable near the anchoring point, and I haven't lost one yet after a catch. Sometimes I can reuse them, sometimes I can't after a catch...but then again I usually end up rebuilding the snare anyway so no big loss and no cost out of my pocket either. I save my heavy copper or stamped tags for riveting to baseplates on my traps.