Setting the Record Straight on Trapping and the VT Constitution

Setting the Record Straight on Trapping and the VT Constitution

A recent op-ed by Brenna Galdenzi, president of Protect Our Wildlife Vermont (Stowe), criticized Senator Terry Williams, R-Poultney, for allegedly being dismissive and rude to a “constituent” who contacted him regarding trapping. The piece misrepresents key facts about the exchange and the broader issue of trapping in Vermont, and it unfairly casts a shadow over Williams’ professionalism.

Not a Constituent

The individual who contacted Senator Williams is not, in fact, a Vermont constituent but a resident of New Jersey who owns a second home in Tinmouth, Vermont. While they are welcome to voice their concerns, they cannot claim the same standing as Vermonters whose elected representatives serve their specific interests.

The op-ed described the email to Senator Williams as “polite,” yet a small sample of the message paints a different picture. The sender wrote:

“Allowing these traps is a stain on Vermont’s reputation, and it’s time for our leaders to take a stand. If you support this outdated and brutal practice, you are complicit in the suffering it causes.”

The message concluded with:

“A citizen who pays your salary!”

The Constitutional Reality

The issue of trapping is not new to Vermont. In the previous legislative session, the state engaged in robust, expensive debates over whether to ban trapping (H.191 [2023], S.111 [2023], S.258 [2024]). The effort was ultimately voted down, in part because Vermont’s Constitution guarantees the right to “hunting, fowling, and fishing.” This constitutional protection underscores the historical and cultural significance of these practices to Vermonters, including trapping, which has deep roots in the state’s rural heritage.

To criticize Williams for his position ignores not only this constitutional reality but also the extensive legislative process that already took place just a few months ago. Revisiting the issue so soon after the state spent significant time and taxpayer dollars debating it is understandably frustrating for lawmakers and taxpayers alike.

Cultural Sensitivity and Practical Realities

Trapping is often labeled as “barbaric” or “evil” by advocacy groups, but such sweeping judgments overlook its cultural, historical, and practical importance. For generations, trapping has provided Vermonters with a means of livelihood, wildlife management, and connection to their rural heritage. Overlooking the cultural and historical significance of trapping risks veering dangerously close to cultural insensitivity and alienating rural communities while dismissing deeply rooted traditions.

Criticism of trapping also ignores practical realities. Coyotes, for example, pose real threats to livestock, pets, and even humans. Farmers across Vermont routinely lose livestock to coyote predation, and it has been common knowledge for decades that outdoor cats are at significant risk of being killed by coyotes. These are not isolated incidents—they are a daily reality for rural Vermonters.

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Survey Data and Fish & Wildlife Allegations

The op-ed also alleges that Vermont’s Department of Fish & Wildlife is complicit in promoting trapping through so-called “greenwashing.” However, the department’s efforts to regulate trapping through “best management practices” demonstrate a commitment to balancing humane treatment of wildlife with the realities of wildlife management. These efforts seek to minimize harm while addressing practical needs such as population control and nuisance management.

The op-ed cites several surveys to support its stance against trapping. However, a closer examination reveals selective interpretation:

VVMA Survey (2021): The op-ed notes 66% of veterinarians oppose BMP traps. However, only 74 members responded out of approximately 400, representing about 18.5% of the membership, limiting the survey’s representativeness.

Vermont Residents’ Attitudes Toward Furbearer Management (2022): The op-ed claims a majority disapprove of trapping, with only 26% approving when regulated. In reality, 60% approve of “regulated trapping,” indicating nuanced support for regulated practices.

UVM Center for Rural Studies Survey (2017): The op-ed states 75% support banning certain traps. This figure excludes undecided respondents; the unadjusted support is 62.8%, showing less overwhelming opposition.

Conclusion

Senator Williams’ response to the New Jersey resident’s email may have been brief, but it reflects a broader frustration with revisiting a contentious issue so soon after an exhaustive debate. It’s time to respect the constitutional rights of Vermonters, the cultural significance of trapping, and the practical realities of rural life.

Dave Soulia | FYIVT

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One response to “Setting the Record Straight on Trapping and the VT Constitution”

  1. […] given that the sender is a New Jersey resident. Senator Williams’ succinct response, “get over it,” was sent after realizing the emailer was not a constituent and reflects this […]

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