Who is allowed to disturb or remove traps during use?

The correct answer is that only employees of the Department on official duties are allowed to disturb or remove traps during use. This is grounded in the regulations established to ensure the safety and efficacy of trapping practices. The presence of Department employees signifies that they are trained and accountable for wildlife management and compliance with the laws governing trapping activities.

Allowing only these officials to disturb or remove traps during their use helps maintain the integrity of the trapping process, protects non-target species, and ensures humane treatment of animals. Their training equips them to handle such situations correctly while assessing compliance with legal procedures.

In contrast, it is critical that traps remain undisturbed by unauthorized individuals to prevent interference with ongoing trapping efforts, which could lead to unintended consequences such as the suffering of trapped animals or legal issues stemming from improper handling. Allowing only the trap owner to disturb the traps could create additional complications in managing wildlife populations, particularly if they lack the expertise of Department employees. Other licensed trappers may also not have the training or authority to engage in such activities, leading to potential mismanagement of traps intended for specific wildlife species. Hence, the regulations explicitly limit this capability to Department employees to ensure responsible wildlife management practices.