Introduction to Modern Day Furbearer Trapping
What Furbearer Trapping is All About:Conservation and Management
Trapping is Ecologically Sound
Trapping is Beneficial to Society and Wildlife
Animals Trapped are Common and Abundant
Trapping is Highly Regulated
Trapping is Highly Regulated
• Mandatory Licensing
• Mandatory Education Course
• Restricted Seasons
• Mandatory Daily Checks
• Restrictions on Trap Size
• Restricted Areas for Trapping Certain Species
• Mandatory Trap Owner ID
• Restriction on Trap Types
Trapping is Ecologically Sound
Helps to: Maintain wild populations Maintain ecological balance Control introduced exotics Protect declining, rare, threatened, or endangered species
Provides:
Local, healthy, organic sources of food (or clothing)
Opportunity for millions of people to interact with the natural world
Regulated Harvests:
Diana Hallet-The Wildlife Society
Animals Trapped are Common and Abundant
Trapping does not cause wildlife to become endangered
Management ensures abundant wildlife
Management neededamidst habitat loss and degradation
Bob Bluett-Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
Trapping is Beneficial to Wildlife and Society
Wildlife Reintroduction
Protects America's Wetlands
Maintains National Wildlife Refuges
Protects Public Safety & Private Property
Protects Endangered Species from Predators
Key Points:
Sue Langlois-Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife
History of Trapping in the United States and it’s Evolution
Historical Perspective
Enduring element of human culture
Long tradition in the Northeast
Many cities and towns founded as fur trading centers
Unchallenged throughout that history until early in the 20th century
Changing views and attitudes towards wildlife
Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare
The primary concern of Animal Welfare advocates is the ‘well-being’ of animals
The ‘well-being’ of animals is secondary for Animal Rights advocates
Animal Rights and Animal Welfare represent two entirely different perspectives on human/animal
coexistence
Today’s Trappers
Primary reasons people trap today:
1. Component of their lifestyle that defines them
2. Has deep meaning and purpose
3. Provides sustenance
4. Enduring connection and experience with the natural world.
The Connection
Lifestyle choice, has deep meaning and purpose, and is an enduring connection to the environment.
Animal Welfare:Best Management Practices (BMP’s)
National effort by State and Federal agencies
Five Components:
1. Welfare of animals
1. Efficiency of traps
1. Selectivity of traps
1. Safety of the traps to people
1. The Practical application
Animal Welfare:Testing Traps for BMP’s
1.2 million dollars spent
32 trap types
Cage traps, snares, footholds kill & traps tested
Tests in real world conditions
Experienced trappers with wildlife technicians
Everyone is interested in using the best technology available for the responsible capture of furbearers.
Animal Welfare:Trapping is Selective
Trap/Trapper Relationship
1. Location2. Type of Trap3. Size of Trap4. Pan Tension5. Lure or Bait 6. Position of Trigger7. Timing of trap set
Animal Welfare:
Computer mechanical simulations Animal’s approach Performance testing in:
Fenced enclosures Field Conditions
Confirmation tests
Improving Traps with Science
Live Restraint Devices are Humane When Used by Responsible & Trained Individuals
Bringing back Wild Furbearer Trapping to Massachusetts
What can you do to help bring back the trapping heritage to Massachusetts?
•Get involved and Learn more
•Recognize trapping as an important activity
• Call, write, or email your District Representatives
•Write your local newspaper, respond to articles about trapping
•Go to State public hearings on trapping related Bills and laws
•Make sure people have the facts on trapping
• Expose the Animal Rights position (www.animalscam.com, and www.activistcash.com)