The Nevada Senate’s Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on S.B. 213, the poorly written anti-trapping legislation that would not only negatively impact trappers, but could also result in unintended consequences for those who use standard household pest control devices.
S.B. 213 would place an unnecessary burden on Nevada trappers by resurrecting the state’s trap registration that was abandoned after 15 years of use upon being determined to be an ineffective and inefficient method of enforcing wildlife laws. This legislation would also require trappers to visibly mark each trap, making them susceptible to theft and vandalism while also unnecessarily altering the scenic landscape views enjoyed by Nevadans and those who visit the state.
This legislation could also have unintended consequences for those who choose to use common household pest control devices such as a mouse trap or fly paper. S.B. 213 refers to an existing legal definition of “animal” that includes every living creature that is not a human being. Consequently, if this bill were to become law, those who use widely available consumer products to control pests in their homes could conceivably be held to the same standards as those who trap furbearing mammals in the wild.
As it currently stands, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has the authority to regulate trapping based on scientific evidence provided by professional wildlife managers employed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Passing legislation that uses emotional arguments, rather than science, to actively manage human interactions with wildlife undermines this authority and makes it more difficult for state and federal agencies to manage the public wildlife resource for long term sustainability.
To weigh in on this legislation and make your voice heard, please consider attending tomorrow’s committee hearing or contacting the members of the Natural Resources Committee. If you would like more information on how to get involved, please contact CSF Western States Manager Andy Treharne at andy@sportsmenslink.org.
Senate Natural Resources Committee Hearing
When: Thursday, March 28 at 1p.m.
Where: Room 2144, Legislative Building, 401 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV
Committee Members:
Chair: Senator Aaron Ford
aaron.ford@sen.state.nv.us
(702) 772-5544
Vice Chair: Senator Mark Manendo
mmanendo@sen.state.nv.us
(702) 451-8654
Senator Tick Segerblom
tsegerblom@sen.state.nv.us
(775) 684-1422
Senator James Settelmeyer
james.settelmeyer@sen.state.nv.us
(775) 450-6114
Senator Pete Goicoechea
Pete.goicechea@sen.state.nv.us
(775) 684-1400
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
