New Paltz Residents Stunned This Hunting Technique Is Still Legal

A debate is currently raging in a local Facebook page over a hunting device that many community members were surprised to learn was still legal in New York State.

With deer season in full swing, hearing the crack of a rifle or seeing hunters wearing camouflage and blaze orange are commonplace in the Hudson Valley. There's another season in effect, however, that has caught some locals off guard.

Many Hudson Valley residents were surprised to learn that this hunting technique is still used in 2024 (CCO via YouTube)

Trapping Season in New York State

The debate began when a New Paltz resident posted a photo of a small game trap on Facebook. "Our stray cat came home with this on him today", they shared. "Why would someone even want to use this?!?" The comment section was soon flooded with answers from several sides.

Foothold traps are meant to capture small game while alive and hold them in place (CCO via YouTube)

Debate on Trapping Ethics in the Hudson Valley

"The most cruel 'sport' there is. It shouldn’t be done to any animal", said one commenter. "That has to be illegal?", wondered another. While the trapping of many different kinds of animals is still legal in New York, there are certain guidelines that need to be followed.

A common foothold trap (CCO via YouTube)

Requirements for Trapping in New York State

New York State law states that any resident interested in trapping must first complete a trapper education course that includes information on "trapping safety, techniques, ethics, and responsibilities", as well as strategies to avoid trapping "non-target species" (like cats). And that's not all.

Many commenters pointed to the fact that the trap in question was seemed to be missing a critical element, specifically information on the hunter who owned the device. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), all traps must include the license holder's address or DEC identification number. Traps should also be secured and checked daily.

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While anti-trappers and trap users may never see eye-to-eye, the post could serve as an important reminder about the importance of keeping all household pets out of harm's way, especially during hunting seasons.