Sad but true for trappers. Trapping in California has been on the way out for a while. It's a story of changing demographics and attitudes towards animals. Furry critters have gone from an important sustainable, renewable, natural resource, to individuals who we can't stand to let feel pain. We've gone from responsible population management in a tough natural world, to the … [Read more...]
Tax Time Tips for Trappers
I hate tax season. It's the time of year the reminds many of us unorganized types that we need to do a better job keeping records. That's because in any business, record keeping is key to minimizing your tax liability and only paying Uncle Sam what you legally owe. You may not realize this, but if you trap a significant amount of fur, your trapping activities are probably … [Read more...]
Maine Hunters, Trappers Prevail in Bear Referendum
From the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance: In a ballot initiative with national repercussions, Maine voters once again sent an unmistakable message to animal-rights extremists: stay out of our state. For the second time in 10 years, Maine voters resoundingly rejected a ballot initiative backed and bankrolled by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Throughout the battle … [Read more...]
Bob Noonan on Bear Trapping
On Tuesday November 4th, Maine voters will decide whether to ban the use of bait, hounds and traps to hunt bears in the state. Perhaps the most misunderstood of these methods is bear trapping. Bob Noonan explains bear trapping well in his Lewiston Sun Journal article: Bear trapping is heavily regulated. A special bear trapping permit is required, and is available only to … [Read more...]
Groups Poised to Sue Montana, Claim Trapping Program Endangers Lynx
Maine trappers have been through this before, but now it looks like it may be Montana's turn. Animal rights groups are intending to sue the state of Montana, claiming that the state's trapping program threatens Canada lynx populations, which are protected under the Endangered Species Act. For the record, the state of Maine and its trappers have been defending the trapping … [Read more...]
Trapping Threatened Again in New Mexico
Last summer, we covered a story about New Mexico governor Bill Richardson banning trapping in New Mexico's Gray Wolf Recovery Area. Then, we noted in November that research was underway to determine the affect of trapping on wolves. Results of that research don't seem to have surfaced yet, but with a new governor and legislature in the state, Richardson's ruling could … [Read more...]
Reynolds on Lynx and the ESA
V. Paul Reynolds, outdoors columnist with Maine's Lewiston Sun Journal, and editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal, wrote an engaging column about how the U.S. Endangered Species Act can make criminals of average folks. William McCoy of Pennsylvania was sentenced to jail time for accidentally killing a Canada lynx in northern Maine and then, out of panic, attempting to … [Read more...]
Eastern Timberwolf to be Delisted in 2011?
Trappers and hunters have a lot to look forward to in 2011, including the potential removal of a furbearer from the U.S. Endangered Species List, but I wouldn't start holding my breath just yet. The Trapper and Predator Caller blog reports that the Eastern Timber Wolf is expected to be removed from the Endangered Species List by the end of the year, returning wolf management … [Read more...]