State Bill 5179 would lessen Washington’s voter-approved ban on most animal trapping and would allow the use of body-gripping traps to address animal problems for scientific research and population control. The fur of the animals trapped for those reasons could be sold.

That repeals most of Initiative 713, which banned the use of such traps to capture any mammal for recreation or commerce in fur. This initiative passed in 2000 and has become a subject of controversy.

Since then, farmers, ranchers, the WAshington Department of Fish & Wildlife and owners of mole-infested lawns have complained of widespread damage to livestock, crops and property.

Sen. Bob Oke, the bill’s sponsor said, “The use of a mole trap in the state of Washington could cost you $5,000 or a year in jail. We’re out of balance. There’s a lot of good honest citizens in this state who are protecting their property.”

Lisa Wathne, northwest regional director of the Humane Society, hopes to block the repeal in the House.

Wathne maintains that they did not intend to outlaw trapping of moles, gophers and other small animals that plague parks, golf courses, gardens and lawns where the original bill passed easily.

But rural lawmakers have blocked such attempts, arguing that they would ignore damage caused by beaver and otters on ranches, farms and forests.

This type of misunderstanding between rural and urban communities shows no end in sight. The urban communities have the necessary votes to push just about any conservation bill into law, while the rural dwellers in our state, the people who live with most of the animals, do not carry a controlling vote.

Most of the bills passed in the last 10 years, whether in Washington, Oregon or California, have been repealed or amended. The banning of cougar and bear hunting using dogs in these states has proven to have dire consequences. Cougar and bear are not animals that can easily be taken without a dog. Their overpopulation, while protected, can prove to be devastating to deer and elk populations – not to speak of the damage bears can cause to timber.

We should not support one side or the other without viewing the crystal ball of experience, and imagine and justify the ramifications that will evolve when trying “to fool Mother Nature.”

Boat sales in Washington

A study released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported that Washington state residents spent $454 million on pleasure boats, motors, trailers and accessories and related equipment in 2001, placing them ninth nationally in boat sales. Florida ranked first. Figures have not yet been compiled for 2002.

Church Hole sturgeon

If you find a nice day, you may want to scurry down to the Church Hole on an incoming tide. That’s what Larry Chamberlin did last week and was rewarded with a 46-inch keeper. First of the year that I’ve heard of from that area.

Bud Lite Quiz

We’re sure that all you Budweiser drinkers are aware that the alcohol content of a regular Bud is 5 percent (it’s printed on the can).

Question: What is the alcohol content of a Bud Lite? The answer will be in next week’s column.

Ron Malast is the owner and captain of the charter boat Big Dipper, operating out of Pacific Salmon Charters in Ilwaco. For questions about the outdoors call (360) 665-3573.