http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/301/002/251.htm
Section 3. Trapping Methods and Requirements. (1) Unless exempted by KRS 150.170, a person shall carry proof of purchase of a valid trapping license while trapping furbearers. (2) A person who is trapping with a dry land set shall not: (a) Set traps closer than ten (10) feet apart; or (b) Use any trap except for the following: 1. Deadfall; 2. Wire cage or box trap; 3. Foothold trap with a maximum inside jaw spread of six (6) inches measured perpendicular to the hinges;
4. Body-gripping trap with a maximum inside jaw spread of seven and one-half (7.5) inches measured parallel with the trigger; or 5. A snare. (3) There shall be no restrictions on the size or type of trap used as a water set. (4) A trap shall not be set in a trail or path commonly used by a human or a domestic animal. (5) A trapper may use lights from a boat or a vehicle in conjunction with trapping furbearers.
Likely he had a wider conibear trap than allowed on land, and when the water fell he didn’t check it and move it or change it.
JTrouty, glad that the courts ruled in your favor.