HF 3884 Summary

• Modifies body-gripping trap maximum jaw opening from 6-1/2 inches to 4-1/2 inches on public lands, with exceptions for specific enclosed and elevated configurations on land.

• Requires persons finding dogs or collared animals in traps or snares to notify a conservation officer within 24 hours; violations are misdemeanors subject to license forfeiture.

• Establishes mandatory daily trap-tending for non-drowning sets capable of capturing protected wild animals, with 2-year license suspension for first violations and 5-year suspension for subsequent violations.

• Regulates encapsulated foot traps and snares with specific requirements including pulling-force activation, minimum plug distances, cable length limits, and breakaway devices rated at 285 pounds or less.

• Adds violations of trapping-related sections (97B.903, 97B.930, 97B.931, 97B.951) as grounds for immediate license forfeiture under section 97A.421 and establishes 2-5 year trapping license suspensions for violations.