Poll conducted by Research and Polling, Inc.

Just 41% of voters statewide are aware that trapping is actually legal on public lands in New Mexico. Many voters (33%) believe trapping is illegal, while the rest are unsure (26%). Respondents were informed that trapping is legal on public lands in New Mexico and given a brief description of the different types of traps that are commonly used, as well as the rules trappers are supposed to follow. Voters were also read some of the arguments that supporters have given to ban leg-hold, snare and lethal traps on public lands in New Mexico and arguments opponents to such a ban have given. Voters were then asked if they would support or oppose banning these types of traps on public lands in New Mexico.

Overall, 63% of voters statewide say they either strongly support (41%) or somewhat support (22%) placing a ban on leg-hold, snare and lethal traps on public lands, while 22% are opposed to such a ban. Support for banning trapping is strongest among female and Anglo voters as well as those who participate in outdoor activities such as backpacking, bird/animal watching, and hiking. When considering age, gender, ethnicity, income, education level or political affiliation, there is NO demographic for which the support for a trap ban is outpolled by the opposition- not one.

The poll also asked if the respondent or anyone in their household had ever encountered a trap on public land. Statewide, 7% responded in the affirmative. This suggests that approximately 50,000 New Mexicans have had this experience; a surprisingly large number. According to the poll, New Mexico residents have found a variety of non-target animals in traps including dogs, javelina, deer, bear, rabbits, quail, and coatis— none of which can be legally trapped in the state.

A random sample of registered voters statewide was interviewed by telephone. Telephone numbers were generated from the Research & Polling, Inc. database. All interviews were conducted between August 16th and August 24th, 2005. A total of 398 registered voters statewide completed interviews.

Poll Results Support Banning Leg-hold, snare, and lethal traps on Public Lands

Respondents were read two statements below. How the results break down follows. Question:

(A) Opponents of trapping argue that it is a cruel way to kill animals who can suffer for long periods of time, especially since some trappers do not always check their traps every 24 hours. Critics believe that public lands belong to everyone and that the traps pose a danger to everyone who uses trails and roads on public lands as well as their pets and horses since there is no way to identify where traps are being laid. Pets, other domestic animals and unintended wildlife are injured or even killed by traps every year. Opponents also believe unlimited trapping could be hurting certain populations of animals like bobcats and foxes since trappers are not required to report their kills and there is no limit as to how many animals are killed.

(B) Supporters argue that trapping is an important source of revenue for trappers and the state of New Mexico, as well as being a tradition often passed down through family generations.  Supporters also argue that trappers are required to check their traps every 24 hours and free any animals that are trapped by accident. Supporters also argue that trapping helps to control predators such as coyotes and skunks and helps to control wildlife disease. Some supporters are concerned that a ban on trapping using leg-hold and lethal traps is the first step to placing greater restrictions on hunting.

After hearing these arguments do you support or oppose banning leg hold, snare and lethal traps on public lands in New Mexico? Is that strongly or somewhat?

	State- wide	Hikers	Campers	Bird/ Wildlife Watchers	Back- packers	Horse- back Riders	Hunters	Anglers
Strongly support	41%	47%	42%	51%	46%	43%	27%	36%
Somewhat support	22%	21%	24%	17%	28%	19%	25%	23%
Depends/mixed feelings	9%	8%	10%	10%	3%	6%	11%	11%
Somewhat oppose	9%	9%	8%	9%	8%	9%	12%	11%
Strongly oppose	13%	13%	13%	13%	13%	18%	21%	16%
Don’t know/won’t say	5%	2%	3%	1%	2%	4%	5%	4%

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