A controversial proposal to tighten the use of body-gripping traps to reduce the inadvertent trapping of dogs could be presented to the Legislature this week.
And when the public gets a chance to comment, expect fireworks.
"There's absolutely no way we'll please everyone," said Dennis Simon, Department of Natural Resources wildlife chief.
The DNR and legislators have been meeting with trapping groups to try to reach agreement on the new restrictions.
At least six dogs have been killed in traps since fall, and some dog owners have called for the DNR to require the body-gripping traps to be used only off the ground, where they wouldn't accidentally catch dogs. Trappers have said that would make trapping ineffective for some species.
The DNR is expected to present its proposal to the Legislature this week. Legislators ultimately will decide whether to impose new restrictions.
"I think we can find a solution that's better than the current situation and protects more dogs but at the same time allows trapping," said Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings. "It's probably not going to go as far as some people want it to."
Wolf hunting opener? About 300 Minnesota conservation leaders, politicians and bureaucrats attended last week's Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance banquet in Maplewood, and there were speeches aplenty. But a comment by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., drew the loudest reaction, a mixture of applause, laughter and shouts of approval.
