Trapping and furbearer management in Montana is a regulated, traditional activity that involves harvesting furbearers and predatory animals for fur, management, or recreation on public and private land.

Its season runs mainly from November through March, and it is recognized as a game activity that targets species-protected heritages wolves, coyotes, bobcats and beavers.

Across Montana, trapping is legal on most public lands, almost year-round, requiring dog owners to be vigilant. No signage is required, and traps are legal in national forests and state lands. 

The big sky state, known for its deeply rooted traditions of hunting, trapping and conservation, also happens to be the second ranked state for dog ownership in the country.

When these two worlds collide on Montana public lands, it’s essential to have respect for this centuries-old harvesting heritage, while also keeping four-legged friends out of harm’s way. 

In recent months, Mineral County witnessed two incidents of dogs being caught in traps. The pups known as Buddy and Pepe were roaming freely and unsupervised in an area where traps were legally set and placed. Both suffered serious injuries. 

Local dog shelter and sanctuary, Rescuing Cujo in Superior, helped look after the dogs following their medical care and procedures.

In light of those unfortunate events, the timing of Montana K9 Safety’s trap and snare release workshop on April 15 in Superior is impeccable. 

Rachael Vargas is the owner of Montana K9 Safety and also an instructor. The education and training program was established in 2019 with the goal of helping dog owners learn lifesaving skills. 

Vargas explained, “Trap and Snare removal was added later as we realized the crucial need to train dog owners, especially those who work and or recreate outdoors.”

“The Workshop introduces pet owners to the trapping regulations in Montana, how to prepare yourself, including having some of the most common tools for removal, having a first aid kit, common injuries, and more,” shared Vargas. “We try to always have a game warden available so they can answer questions specific to the geographical area we are teaching in.”  

This free workshop will be held in the Superior High School multipurpose room from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Vargas said, “The workshop will provide you with the skills to remove your dog in the event it is accidentally caught in a trap. All types of traps are discussed, trapping regulations, and the tools needed to be able to effectively and quickly remove your dog from a trap.” 

Vargas’ mission is to save a dog’s life, one paw at a time! To do so, owners must prepare themselves with a K9 trap and snare release kit. This includes: a dog muzzle, 6” x ½” nylon leash, 6” x ½” slip lead, four 24” zip ties, aviation wire cutters, two leghold coilspring trap setters, two needle nose vise grip pliers, sturdy gloves, and a K9 first aid kit.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks advises key guidelines to understand for keeping dogs safe in trapping areas. Setbacks are distances from trails/roads, traps, and snares must be set at least 50 feet from the edge of designated trails and roads. At trailheads and campgrounds, ground sets are prohibited within 300 feet of designated trailheads, and 1,000 feet for lethal traps/snares. In high-use areas, specific high-use hiking/skiing areas in northwestern and southwestern Montana have expanded restrictions.

Some exceptions are that these setback rules do not apply to trails not marked with signs or administrative numbers, and only apply to roads with motorized use. A vital piece of knowledge is that there are no warning signs - trappers are not required to mark their traps. And ultimately, it is illegal to disturb a trap, except to free a pet. 

FWP recommends keeping dogs leashed; an off-leash dog is at higher risk. Carry tools, cable cutters, and pliers to release your dog from snares or foot-hold traps, and familiarize yourself with how to open different trap types. Lastly, be aware that trapping season for furbearers is typically in winter, but wolf trapping and other, smaller traps can be found year-round.

Bessie Spangler, local dog wrangler, rescuer, and fosterer, has innumerable stories and experiences dealing with dogs being lost in the area. On many occasions, the outcome has been a happy one, but in some instances, like Buddy, who was found in a trap, he lost a back leg from his injury. 

Spangler encouraged and advocated, “It shows how fenced dogs are safe dogs in this instance. The attitude of letting dogs run because they are out of town is just not safe; it’s irresponsible.” 

Trap Free Montana & Footloose Montana were both helpful with vet bills for Buddy & for Pepe. Buddy found his new forever home after being adopted out of Rescuing Cujo’s care. Pepe, Buddy’s mother, is still healing from her wounds, but will soon be ready for adoption as well.  

To learn how to save your dog, or any other, the Montana K9 Safety trap and snare release workshop is on April 15 at Superior High School. The workshop is free, but attendees must register in advance at montanak9safety.com.