I know this topic has been hashed over, but I figure it doesn't hurt to hit it again if it will help someone. My 3 year old golden got caught in a conibear 220 on Dec 30th near Brainerd, MN while I was grouse hunting on a public hunting trail. I was there pretty quick, but she was fighting me for the first 30 seconds, and the couple of minutes it took me to get the trap off her neck was too much. My hands were cold and weak. I tried CPR, but she was gone.
It's unfortunate, she was really an awesome combination of hunter and friend to me and my young boys.
Please be aware on both sides.
Trappers: Think hard about where you're setting your traps. It was legal in MN to put that trap on the ground just off a public/mowed trail, but better care and some thought should have been taken. Ironically there's a large sign at the trail head that says "Sponsored by the MN Grouse Hunting Association."
Hunters: Understand these traps. Go get one and try it. There is no such thing as a quick release on them and there is no time to learn on the fly. Understand the risks and where you are hunting. It's really raw for me right now, but I can't see me hunting any of those miles and miles of public trails around Brainerd again. It's unfortunate.
I spend all pheasant season hunting public land in SW MN. Traps will certainly be on my mind as I try out my new puppy next fall. I'll likely be the guy with the tool belt carrying giant bolt cutters.
It's unfortunate, she was really an awesome combination of hunter and friend to me and my young boys.
Please be aware on both sides.
Trappers: Think hard about where you're setting your traps. It was legal in MN to put that trap on the ground just off a public/mowed trail, but better care and some thought should have been taken. Ironically there's a large sign at the trail head that says "Sponsored by the MN Grouse Hunting Association."
Hunters: Understand these traps. Go get one and try it. There is no such thing as a quick release on them and there is no time to learn on the fly. Understand the risks and where you are hunting. It's really raw for me right now, but I can't see me hunting any of those miles and miles of public trails around Brainerd again. It's unfortunate.
I spend all pheasant season hunting public land in SW MN. Traps will certainly be on my mind as I try out my new puppy next fall. I'll likely be the guy with the tool belt carrying giant bolt cutters.