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)