Introduction to Modern Day Furbearer Trapping

1. Introduction to Modern Day Furbearer Trapping

2. 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 

3. 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 •

4. Trapping is Ecologically Sound Regulated Harvests:  Helps to:  Maintain wild populations  Maintain ecological balance  Control introduced exotics  Protect declining, rare, threatened, or endangered species Diana Hallet -The Wildlife Society  Provides:  Local, healthy, organic sources of food (or clothing)  Opportunity for millions of people to interact with the natural world

5. Animals Trapped are Common and Abundant Trapping does not cause wildlife to become endangered  Bob Bluett -Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources Management ensures abundant wildlife  Management needed amidst habitat loss and degradation 

6. Trapping is Beneficial to Wildlife and Society Key Points: Wildlife Reintroduction  Protects America's Wetlands  Sue Langlois -Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife Maintains National Wildlife Refuges  Protects Public Safety & Private Property  Protects Endangered Species from Predators 

7. 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

8. Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare Animal Rights and Animal Welfare represent two entirely different perspectives on human/animal coexistence The primary concern of Animal Welfare advocates is the ‘well-being’ of animals  The ‘well-being’ of animals is secondary for Animal Rights advocates 

9. Today’s Trappers Primary reasons people trap today:  Component of their lifestyle that defines them 1. Has deep meaning and purpose 2. Provides sustenance 3. Enduring connection and experience with the natural world. 4.

10. The Connection Lifestyle choice, has deep meaning and purpose, and is an enduring connection to the environment.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. Animal Welfare: Trapping is Selective Trap/Trapper Relationship 1. Location 2. Type of Trap 3. Size of Trap 4. Pan Tension 5. Lure or Bait 6. Position of Trigger 7. Timing of trap set

14. Animal Welfare: Improving Traps with Science Computer mechanical simulations Animal’s approach Performance testing in: Fenced enclosures Field Conditions Confirmation tests      

15. Live Restraint Devices are Humane When Used by Responsible & Trained Individuals

16. 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)