Trapping

The trapping of wildlife species for food and furs has long been a part of human existence. Since prehistoric times, man has utilized traps of one design or another to provide the basic needs for survival. However, in the modern era, trapping is more a tool of wildlife management and a form of recreation than a quest for food. Organizations and individuals opposed to trapping say it is unnecessary and harmful to the environment, but the opposite is true.

Today, trapping is a highly regulated activity. Anyone who traps must follow strict rules established and enforced by state fish and wildlife agencies. Restrictions on species that may be harvested, harvest seasons, trap types, trapping methods, and areas open to trapping are some of the guidelines and regulations that state agencies regularly review, implement, and enforce.

water set: A trap or snare that, when set, is completely or partially submerged by water

Benefits of Trapping

• Helps control animal populations by minimizing:
  • Starvation
  • Spread of diseases
  • Damage or destruction of habitat
• Helps reduce damage to personal property:
  • Flooding caused by beaver dams
  • Destruction of trees
  • Killing of livestock or pets
• Protects certain endangered or threatened species from predators
• Helps with wildlife restoration
• Catches elusive species for wildlife research
• Provides funding through sales of licenses
• Provides recreation, food and other products, and supplemental income.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is developing a set of Best Management Practices for trapping.

These guidelines will:

• Identify the best equipment and practices that can be used to trap furbearers.
• Address the welfare of captured animals.
• Focus on the safest, most efficient, most humane, and most practical trapping techniques.

To learn more, visit www.fishwildlife.org/furbearer.html.