Recently, the Weyburn Review received a concerned phone call, regarding coyote snares being put out by private residents near the Weyburn Airport, since a couple of dogs were hurt by a coyote trap in that area.
Lindsey Leko, conservation officer, said that to date no one has called the Weyburn Field Office to see if anyone is trapping in that area, or reported that a pet was injured or killed.
“As a result of the large number of coyotes in the area, there has been an increase in people getting their trapper’s licence to harvest coyotes,” said Leko. “Some harvest for the fur and some shoot to kill the trapped coyotes, with no intent on salvaging the fur. Coyotes presently are not a protected species in Saskatchewan.”
Leko added that once a person gets their trapper’s license, they can come into the Conservation office at the City Centre Mall and apply for a power ram permit. A power ram is a mechanically activated snare that uses a large spring to quickly secure the snare around the coyote.
“There are conditions that the trapper must use when issued a permit,” said Leko. “One of these conditions is that they may not set these power rams within one mile of any occupied dwelling without the permission of the occupant. In addition, all snares must be securely anchored to the ground so they do not move when activated.”
Leko also noted that there are some rules and regulations to keep in mind, for those residents who want to trap coyotes. “First-time trappers must take a trapper education course or pass an equivalency exam before they can obtain a fur licence. The trapper education exam can be taken at Ministry of Environment offices.”
