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CACHE CLOSED FOR GOOD. PLEASE READ BELOW!
May 3, 2016
Hi everyone! This cache is sadly gone for good! Please read below to learn why!
Hi Everyone! Sorry for the wall of text, but I think it's only fair to let everyone know what's happened with this cache.
Back on April 13th, 2016, I was notified by a geocacher (you can read the entry in the Logged Visits below) that the cache was missing, and instead replaced with a injurious spring loaded trap designed for limb capture (in other words: small game trap). I went out immediately to investigate and founds remnants of the trap. After speaking with the geocacher, I learned the trap have been handed over to Parks Canada.
I went to our local Conservation Branch, and spoke with officials there. I was informed that the trap was "legal" and that "trapping areas are all over the Yukon and trappers can trap wherever they want", and it "must be a coincidence" that a trap was where my cache was. I asked if it was acceptable so close to the Alaska Highway, on a public area (the cache was hidden about 15 feet from the road that leads to the Watson Lake Campground), and was told yes it was, because "people hunt from the road all the time". I was also warned that "the trapper could get upset at me for placing my cache there".
I explained that my cache was marked on all sides of the container what it was, and inside was a book that further explained what it was and why, and also had contact information that IF the cache was in a bad spot, to please contact me and I would be happy to move it. In nearly 8 years, I've never had a problem with it's location. It's been trashed by animals, but that's about it.
I explained to the Conservation that the animal trap had been baited (fish), and they said they weren't aware the trap was baited until I showed them my photo, and said "well they shouldn't have used fish". They said they will follow up with Parks to find out what they know about the events, since the Parks people were the ones that removed the trap. They said otherwise there's really not much they can do. Trappers can trap. I asked if there was a season for trapping, and they said November to February only. Well, it was mid April, and that fish has obviously NOT been there for a month and a half. So, to me, that trap should be illegal since it's off season, but I was told "sometimes they forget them".
I then spoke to an RCMP officer who happened to overhear the conversation I had with Conservation, and they agreed with me, they didn't think it was a "coincidence" and much more suspicious due to the location. Also they agreed that the trap should not have been there at all, but that is up to conservation, not them. They said that they will talk to Parks themselves, and to Conservation again, to find out more information about the trap. They also agreed that Geocaching is supposed to be a safe and fun thing to do, and they even take their own family out Geocaching, and would hate to see it spoiled because of this. I told them I do plan to hide another cache this summer, but I will find a better place- as well as inform the RCMP and Conservation of it's location so that I can be sure it's a "safe" place. Both the RCMP and Conservation told me they would look into it and let me know if anything turned up.
It's not the idea of trapping that bothers me. It's not even the fact the cache was swiped (people can be mean). It's that in a forest of infinite trees, a trap is placed in the SAME tree my cache was, in the SAME spot. That is NOT a coincidence to me. Someone could have been seriously injured! To me that is messed up, and the person who did it needs to give their head a shake. That is dangerous and the trapper should have known better. As with all Geocache's, if there is an issue with it's location I would have happily dealt with it. I am sincerely sorry to the poor family that had such an awful scare when this is supposed to be a fun game for everyone to enjoy.
BUT!
There is a bit of news to all of this!
Today, May 3rd, 2016, I received a call from Conservation; the cache was dropped off, INTACT, at their office! So I have to thank whoever found it and dropped it off. I don't know who dropped it off, how they found it, or any of the details (if Conservation knew, they wouldn't say). I'm just glad whoever took it had a change of heart. Even though I have the cache and all of the goodies back, I will NOT be returning the cache to this spot. It's just too much of a risk now. I WILL however be creating a new hiding spot around the Watson Lake area this summer with an all new cache! This time, I'll be sure to check in with Conservation to find if there's any active hunters in the area I choose, and if so, I will get permission first, as well as let Conservation know the cache's location, so this hopefully will not happen again.
So after nearly 8 years, we have to say goodbye to "Headin' to Watson Lake". It was a good run, but be on the lookout for a new cache later this summer! Laters!
~TilasTrinity
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Tb abegu bs gur Ohevrq Abegujrfgry Pnoyr gb svaq gur Cresrpg Puevfgznf Gerr. Ybbx Oruvaq vg naq haqre!