COEUR d'ALENE - The Idaho Fish and Game Commission next month is scheduled to meet in Post Falls to consider and discuss possible restrictions on the use of body-gripping traps used by hunters.

Last winter, a couple of dogs were accidentally killed in body-gripping or Conibear-style traps in North Idaho, said Steve Nadeau, a staff biologist for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. He oversees the agency's furbearer program.

"We've seen a rise in non-target catches," Nadeau said.

The powerful metal traps are designed to quickly kill animals.

"Unfortunately, non-target animals are quickly killed, too," Nadeau said. "People are concerned, and they have a right to be. Pets are an important part of our families."

He declined to say what kind of restrictions or rule changes are to be considered by the commission. That will be revealed by the commission next month.

The commission on Nov. 12 will host a public open house at Red Lion Templin's Hotel in Post Falls, when the public will be able to provide input about trapping rules or other agenda items. That open house starts at 7 p.m., Nadeau said.

The following day the commission will discuss the rule changes which are being considered, along with other business.

"This would just be the kickoff of the rule-making process," he said. "There will be plenty of time to participate."

If the commission decides to enter the full "negotiated rule-making process," it could take a year to complete and would provide multiple opportunities for more public input, Nadeau said.

The earliest rules could possibly go into effect would be late next year.

Regional working groups in the state - consisting of trappers, pet owners, hunters and houndsmen - provided recommendations to the commission earlier this year on how to reduce the likelihood of accidentally trapping pets.

The Panhandle region's working group said in its written summary report that ground-set, Conibear-style traps are the major concern.

"While not reaching consensus on how best to regulate Conibear-style traps, all agreed that some measure was appropriate," the group wrote. "Consensus was reached on several other potential rule changes, to include increasing the trail setback, making trapper education mandatory, and setting aside a few 'no trapping' areas, perhaps up to a square mile in size, in proximity to urban areas."

The group also agreed on some non-regulatory measures which could raise awareness with pet owners about trapping seasons and measures to protect dogs.

Fish and Game staff members pulled the recommendations from the different working groups together and wrote a proposal for the commission's consideration, Nadeau said.