Hefty fines and some serious jail time could be in the future of a Pennsylvania man who reportedly caught a lynx in an illegal set while trapping in northern Maine. The Bangor Daily News has the story. In the winter of 2008, Maine was a hotbed of activity on the trapping front (read more here). A lawsuit filed by animal rights activist groups sought to ban many forms of … [Read more...]
Archives for 2010
F&T’s North American Trapper
I caught an episode of F&T's North American Trapper for the first time this afternoon. The new show is the first of its kind to feature all trapping all the time. Today's episode featured Johnny Thorpe on his fisher trapline in the Adirondacks of New York. Johnny demonstrated how to make a few different sets, trap modifications, and other tips and tricks relating to … [Read more...]
Alaska Trapper Makes Cover of Field & Stream Magazine
Several months ago, Fairbanks, Alaska trapper Marty Meierotto was featured on the cover of the special survival issue of Field and Stream. A cover shot for a trapper is pretty incredible - not just for Marty and his fellow Alaskans, but for all trappers in the U.S. and Canada. I don't think I've ever seen an issue of F&S that featured a trapper. While the magazine covers … [Read more...]
A Message from MEWM on the Montana Trap Ban Effort
Here's an update from Montanans for Effective Wildlife Management, the group formed to fight the proposed ballot initiative (I-160) that would ban trapping on all public land in Montana. The initiative supporters still need to collect a large number of signatures for the question to show up on the ballot, but MEWM is being proactive in an effort to get the early word out on … [Read more...]
Trappers Help Control Mink Numbers in Ireland
While furbearers can be a valuable natural resource, they can also cause serious ecological problems when their population levels are uncontrolled. For example, we simply have to look at places like Massachusetts and Washington state, where laws prohibiting trapping have resulted in overpopulation and animal damage problems from multiple furbearers. Ecological problems also … [Read more...]
NAFA May Fur Auction Results Somewhat Disappointing
It appears that the fur market is not out of the woods yet. After a surprising spring recovery of fur prices that had been severely depressed for some time, many trappers had high expectations for the May fur sale. Unfortunately, the high March prices were not repeated in May. Here's a link to the results. Overall, prices weren't terrible, but did not continue the uptrend … [Read more...]
New Hampshire Study Documents Higher Bobcat Numbers
A four year trapping and tagging study by the University of New Hampshire and NH Fish and Game is beginning to document a significant comeback in bobcat numbers in the state. As of late last month, UNH faculty and students, trappers and Fish & Game personnel involved in the effort had tagged 12 bobcats, collared them and taken small bits of tissue for DNA … [Read more...]
Are We Headed for Another Fur Boom?
Think the fur industry is on its way back and we'll see a boom in the fur economy in the next few years? It may not be out of the question. Take a look at this optimistic article on the future of the fur market: Furs Are Back With a Green Conscious With proper promotion and fashions trending toward fur garments, the trapping industry could see a huge expansion to keep up … [Read more...]