The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners recently revised trapping regulations to require that traps be set more than 1,000 feet away from designated hiking trails in Washoe County.

Although the new regulations won't officially go into effect until they are approved by the Legislative Commission later this year, the Nevada Department of Wildlife has asked licensed trappers to voluntarily maintain the setback now, to avoid accidental trapping of pets.

"We sent a letter asking trappers to voluntarily comply with the setback now," said Russ Mason, department Game Chief. "We are concerned we could have a repeat of last year's situation, when a few pet dogs were accidentally caught."

The Nevada Trapper's Association and Trail Safe, a local non-profit group that raised concerns about trapping near trails, worked cooperatively to draft the new regulations.

The Board of Wildlife Commissioners approved the regulation change Nov. 3.

Trapping is prohibited within 1,000 feet of each side of the following hiking trails in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest located in Washoe County: Hunter Creek Trail, Jones Creek -White's Creek Trail, Ophir Creek Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and Thomas Creek Trail.

The new regulations do not prohibit lawful setting of traps or snares inside a fence on private property that is less than 1,000 feet from the designated trails.

Trapping also may be permitted in areas listed if conducted under the authority of a wildlife depredation permit issued by the department.