Elko County advisory board urges rejection of statewide trapping petition after local testimony

The Elko County Advisory Board voted to recommend that the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners deny a petition proposing multiple changes to trapping regulations, including shorter trap-check intervals and limits aimed at reducing incidental mountain-lion captures. The motion was made by Justin French and seconded by Wyatt Mesna; the board approved the recommendation by voice vote with the chair voting aye.

Members and several public commenters said the petition revisits longstanding proposals without new, persuasive data. Trapper and public commenter Dave Gallon said, “I’ve been through their process with these same people continually petitioning…So anyway, I'm opposed to this petition.” Garrett Munson, who described limited personal trapping experience, warned a 24-hour check rule would shrink areas where people can trap and could “become a segue into eliminating trapping entirely.” Board discussion repeatedly referenced prior statewide rulemaking on trap-check times and questioned whether the data in the petition — a long-term study the petitioners cited — showed a meaningful adverse effect on the mountain-lion population.

The board also heard from a representative for the Nevada Trapping Association who urged denial on the basis of historical precedent and potential economic harm to local trappers. After testimony, CAB members said they had not seen sufficient new evidence to justify reopening rulemaking; Justin French moved to recommend rejection and the board recorded its position.

The CAB's recommendation will be conveyed to the state commission for its consideration at the upcoming Reno meeting.