Letter to the editor: Dog safety during wolf season

Talk about it

We would like to address the subject of dog safety with regard to the issuance of licenses for the newly established wolf trapping/hunting season:

There are 6,000-8,000 trappers in Minn. each year compared to 100,000-150,000 grouse hunters afield, many with dogs. There are untold numbers of casual hikers, runners and walkers accompanied by dogs on public lands. Why should one group of users (trappers) have such an unbalanced advantage over anyone else recreating on public lands?

Most dog owners will avoid taking dogs in the woods during the weeks allotted for deer hunting season. Trapping season, on the other hand, lasts most of the winter. Let's recognize that all scents and bait used to attract wolves to a trap or snare will certainly attract dogs also. Remember there are growing numbers of people using these public lands every season.

Tags: opinion