SF277

The bill SF No 277 proposes several changes to the game and fish trapping regulations in Minnesota:

1. Opening Hour for Trapping Seasons: The season for trapping furbearing animals will start at sunrise on the opening day specified by the commissioner.

2. Tending Traps:

   • Restrictions on Lighting: A person cannot tend to traps set for wild animals from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. During the allowed hours, a person on foot may use a portable artificial light but cannot have a firearm, except for handguns or rifles that can only fire .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges, including .22 magnum.
   • Body-gripping Traps: These traps need to be checked at least once every third day.
   • Snares: Snares must also be checked every third day, and any captured animal must be immediately removed.

3. Setting Traps Near Water:

   • Restrictions are placed on setting traps within 50 feet of any body of water (excluding temporary surface water) within 30 days before the open season for mink and muskrat, unless a special permit is obtained. However, foot-encapsulating traps, which feature enclosed triggering and restraining mechanisms accessible through a small opening, are exempt from this rule within the designated proximity and time frame.

4. Repeal of Existing Rules: The specific Minnesota rule that requires snares not capable of drowning the captured animal to be tended daily and any captured animal to be removed immediately is repealed.

Overall, the bill aims to amend existing laws regarding the specifics of how traps should be tended, set near water, and other related restrictions, seeking adjustments to enhance the management and humane treatment of wildlife in trapping activities.