To summarize the above quote/story and say it is very Alaskan to cause unnecessary suffering of wildlife, leave traps out after the trapping season, trap without ID tags/signs, and of course to trap unleashed dogs near communities - I say is.......BS. That is not Alaskan; that is irresponsible and sadistic cowardice. 

Wildlife has tremendous intrinsic values from the spiritual, to wildlife viewing, scientific, economic, and inherent values that the BOG routinely ignores and shows contempt for. These values go far beyond being trapped, killed, skinned out and mounted; the only values that the BOG seems to recognize even though, wildlife is supposed to belong to all Alaskans, including non-consumptive users.  

Giving trappers a monopoly on state wildlife over all other users, reduces these Alaskans to 2nd class citizens; yet, the state wishes to tax us, have us give up a portion of our PFD and be content with this peasant status? 

Bill Watkins
Denali Park/Homer, Alaska