A discussion of bird dogs, trapping, and public lands coexistence
Jerry “The Trap Doctor” Snetsinger’s love of upland hunting, trapping, and bird dogs dates to his roots along the Mississippi River in 1950. Owning ancestral ties to the White Earth Tribe, this Life Member of the Ruffed Grouse Society and North American Trappers Association dedicates his time to helping upland hunters and trappers find common ground on public lands.
For 2023, Snetsinger’s knowledge and professional voice on this often-controversial topic will be shared live for National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic attendees during a pair of seminars on the Bird Dog Stage.
“The right to be in the field and use our public lands is synonymous whether you’re a bird hunter, trapper, or both,” explained Snetsigner. “I look forward to exploring this connection at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic while providing detailed information on the tools and knowledge needed to safely remove bird dogs from accidental trap encounters afield.”
In addition to his 30-minute seminar, Snetsinger will also have a table presence among the dog exhibitors to answer more in-depth questions for show attendees about traps they could potentially encounter with their bird dog(s) during the fall/winter seasons. Some of the topics he will be covering throughout the weekend include:
» Hunting and trapping regulations to be aware of
» Foothold traps (underspring, longspring, coil-spring, enclosed)
» Body gripping traps (conibear)
» Snares
» Best tools for trap disengagement
» Resources for becoming a future trapper
» Complimentary nylon zip ties (dog release kits) for attendees while supplies last
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever members represent a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, including trapping. We often get the question, “Do Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever promote trapping as an organization?” No, we’re a wildlife habitat conservation group first and foremost. Carrying capacity for pheasants, quail, and other wildlife is determined by the quantity and quality of natural resources available, which is why we focus exclusively on conserving/expanding grassland habitats. Are Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever anti-trapping? Absolutely not! But, at the end of the day, we’re experts in the field of grasslands conservation, which is where our focus lies.
To learn more about trapping, the types of traps you may encounter afield with your bird dog, and the knowledge to overcome specific situations, visit with Jerry “The Trap Doctor” Snetsinger at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. Click here for presentation times!
Looking to attend a more detailed orientation for canine trap escape? Snetsinger will also be one of three presenters featured as part of the Bird Dog Trauma Training Course at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic – click here for more information!
The 2023 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis on February 17-19. Tickets and more information can be found at: PheasantFest.org.