Committee hears hours of testimony on bill requiring trap signs at FWP trailheads

Representative Bob Carter (Missoula) presented House Bill 436 to the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee as a public-safety and conflict‑reduction measure that would require a trapper to post department-provided notice signs at trailheads or other access points when traps or snares are placed within specified distances of public trails. "Montanans love their pets... knowing traps and snares are set up across public lands, but not knowing where keeps me from going to new places," testified Lizzie Pennock, a dog owner who said she carries cable cutters and two lengths of paracord in case her dog is caught.

Proponents—organized groups, wildlife advocates, veterinarians and concerned residents—testified across more than an hour that the signs are "common sense" and would allow hikers, birders and hunters with dogs to avoid or leash animals near traplines. Frank…