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Engaging the Public in Sustaining Tools of Modern Wildlife Management . Colleen Olfenbuttel North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Trapping and the Model. Wildlife is owned and valued by the public Held in trust by the government Model relies on:
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Engaging the Public in Sustaining Tools of Modern Wildlife Management Colleen Olfenbuttel North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Trapping and the Model • Wildlife is owned and valued by the public • Held in trust by the government • Model relies on: • Public support of conservation programs • Trapping’s integral role in wildlife mgt.
Trapping and the Model • Wide-ranging views towards trapping Northeast Region: • 51% approve of trapping • 35% disapprove • 14% unsure
Trapping and Wildlife Management • Species Restoration: • Otters • Snowshoe Hares • Fishers
Trapping and Wildlife Management • Species Protection: • Shorebirds • Maine Coastal Island NWR • Rachel Carson NWR • Monomoy NWR • Sea Turtles
Trapping and Wildlife Management • Research: • Pine martins • Canada Lynx • Red Wolves in Region 4 • Gray wolves in Region 3 & 6
Trapping and Wildlife Management • Habitat Management: • Nutria on Blackwater NWR
Trapping and the Model • Wildlife is owned and valued by the public • Held in trust by the government • Model relies on: • Public support of conservation programs • Public does not view wildlife as “pests”
Trapping and Wildlife Management • Resolve Human-Wildlife Conflicts • Protection of property • Protection of public health and safety
Where trapping restricted:Increased Illegal Activity • Case Study: Massachusetts
Best Management Practices (BMPs)for Trapping • Improve the image of trapping: • Enhance the public’s awareness and understanding of modern trapping. • Promote regulated trapping as a modern wildlife management tool. • Improve trapping: • Efficiency, selectivity, & the welfare of trapped animals. • Sustain regulated trapping as a wildlife management technique.
What are BMPs? • Scientifically evaluate the traps and trapping systems. • Evaluations are based on: • Animal welfare • Efficiency • Selectivity • Practicality • Safety • Recommendations based on evaluation • Species specific
Who is involved w/BMP research? • Assn. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies • State agencies • U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) • International Fur Trade Federation • Fur Institute of Canada • National Trappers Assn. • State trapper assns. • Wildlife veterinarians
BMP Publications 17 BMPs released: www.fishwildlife.org, click on Focus Area, then Furbearer Mgt. • Introduction • Beaver • Bobcat • Fisher • Coyote, Eastern • Fox, Red • Fox, Gray • Mink • Muskrat • Nutria • Opossum • Raccoon • River Otter • Skunk • Weasel
Trapping Approval Technique: Responsive Management, 2001
Trapping and Wildlife Management • Species Restoration • Species Protection • Research • Habitat Management • Resolve human-wildlife conflict • Trap BMPs All rely on cooperation of experienced trappers!