Beaver traps. (dave1/Flicker Creative Commons)
Alaska’s Board of Game met in Petersburg for five days to decide over 50 proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations for Southeast Alaska.
The state board voted to reject a set of trapping regulations recommended by the Municipality of Skagway. The city has its own trapping regulations and wanted the board to put them on the state books.
Trapping is a contentious activity in Skagway. In 2014, the borough assembly approved a trapping ordinance that bans ground traps within an eighth of a mile of borough roads and trails, among other restrictions. Some residents support the borough’s restrictions due to concerns about pets getting caught in traps. Others say that the municipality is trying to ban trapping in the borough entirely.
The Upper Lynn Canal Fish and Game Advisory Committee has expressed opposition to Skagway’s trapping regulations on multiple occasions. The committee is made up of local stakeholders who advise fish and game on regional regulations. They say the municipality’s rules on trapping are overly restrictive.
The game board’s rejection of Skagway’s proposal raises questions about whether the municipality’s trapping regulations are in compliance with state law.
