Hunting on a Registered Trap line in Alberta

[coleman1495]

Hello,

Recently I encountered an individual who was adamant that I could not hunt coyotes on a piece of public land. He said that there was a trap line there and I could get in trouble if I was caught hunting coyotes there.

My question is it legal to hunt coyotes near a trap line? The Alberta Reg book says this:

Many trails on Crown lands are created and maintained by trappers. To
avoid interference with trapline operations, recreationists are urged to avoid
motorized use of trails marked with signs indicating “Active Trapline,”
especially during trapping seasons of November through February

I am pretty sure the fellow is incorrect based on this statement. Is there anything else I am missing?

 

[Magellann]

Ive never seen that here in Ontario, and we have hunted were there is active traplines being used. The trappers never seemed concerned about us hunting there at all.

 

[skneub]

Call the CO and confirm.

I hunt on one , but moose elk and deer.
not something the trapper may want

 

[silverfoxdj]

Sounds like it would be a conflict I'd be surprised if they said okay

 

[Cleftwynd]

I don't know the law in Alberta, but here there is no issue. You may hunt on crown land, trap line or not.

That being said, I contact the trapper and let him know what it is I would like to do, and let him know I don't want to interfere with his livlyhood. Not once have I not received a blessing, but advice and tips on where they are. I just talked to a local trapper letting him know I wanted to teach the kids how to snare rabbits, he was super pleased I would do this with the next generation.

 

[coleman1495]

Okay Ill call the local CO. Will post results.

 

[coleman1495]

Alright I finally got a hold of a Conservation Officer. He said that you can hunt on a trap line. He recommended that I contact the trapper before out of respect.

I mentioned the fact that there is no signage or indication telling me its a trap line. He said it is most likely an area used by a trapper a ways from there. Apparently their areas are quite large. One would need to consult a map prior. I think you would have to contact the CO to check the map.

He also said that given the distance from the trappers cabin it would not be an issue.

I think basically all crown land is somebody's trap line area. Having said that you should probably contact the trapper if you may interfere with his operation.