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Elko County advisory board recommends denying petition to change state trapping rules
Summary
The Elko County Advisory Board on Wildlife voted to recommend that the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners reject a petition seeking several changes to state trapping regulations intended to reduce incidental mountain-lion captures, require trapper education for new licensees and improve non-target reporting.
The Elko County Advisory Board on Wildlife voted to recommend that the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners deny a citizen petition that would have launched rulemaking to change state trapping regulations.
The petition, which is scheduled to be discussed by the state commission in Reno this week, sought several changes intended to reduce incidental captures of mountain lions and to tighten trapper reporting and equipment standards. Board members and local trappers who spoke at the meeting said the data in the petition did not show a level of incidental capture that would justify rule changes and that some proposed measures, notably a 24‑hour trap‑check requirement, would effectively exclude many rural trappers.
Board member Wyatt Mezner summarized the board's view during discussion: "So in my opinion, we should just be saying, let's deny this petition and move on." Members then moved and seconded a motion to recommend denial, and the motion passed by voice vote.
Several members of the public and representatives of trapping interests urged rejection. Dave Gallon, a local trapper, said a 24‑hour mandatory check time would place an impractical burden on part‑time trappers who must travel long distances to check sets. Henry Krenker, speaking for the Nevada Outfitters and Guides, said similar petitions have resurfaced repeatedly and would, in his view, erode trappers' livelihoods. Garrett Munson warned that introducing incremental restrictions could be a first step toward eliminating trapping altogether.
Supporters of the petition were reported in the petition materials but were not present in force at the Elko meeting; the board noted the petitioners had already submitted the material to the state commission. Board members said they lacked the time and data at the local level to substantively support rulemaking on the petition's full list of recommendations.
The board's recommendation to deny the petition will be forwarded to the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners for consideration at its upcoming meeting in Reno.
The board treated the petition as an advisory comment to the state commission; no county rule changes were proposed or adopted locally.
