Yet another lawsuit aimed at ending trapping in Maine is being battled in court this week. On Monday, a federal judge heard arguments from animal rights activists suing the State of Maine for allowing trapping practices that resulted in the capture of the 'threatened' Canada lynx. Just last year, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife settled with the Animal … [Read more...]
Wolverine Quota Reduced, But Trapping Opportunity Remains in Montana
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently voted to continue to allow wolverine trapping in the state, but has reduced the quota from ten animals to an allowable harvest of five wolverines statewide. The quota reduction was based on biological data and recommendations from agency biologists that suggested the harvest should be cut back. While trappers would … [Read more...]
Wolf Management Stalled
Well, it doesn't look like we'll be seeing any hunting or trapping seasons for wolves any time in the near future. I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago mentioning the possibility of a wolf season in the makings in the state of Michigan. Since then, the Michigan DNR adopted an updated wolf management plan, which didn't include any hunting or trapping component, despite … [Read more...]
Trapping Controversy in Nova Scotia
The conflict between trapping and pets is often misunderstood and severely damaging to the future of legal trapping in North America. Pets are occasionally caught in traps set for furbearing wildlife, and each incident is heartfelt and depressing, usually stirring up controversy over whether trapping should be legal or not. In a recent news article, Nova Scotia trapper Gary … [Read more...]
Montana FWP Commission Keeps Wolverine Trapping Legal
Kudos to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission for taking a stand and allowing wolverine trapping for another year. During a commission meeting this month, the FWP commission, which sets hunting, fishing and trapping regulations, denied appeals to stop the harvest of wolverines. The wolverine is perhaps the wildest species in the weasel family, typically residing … [Read more...]
Minnesota Ordered to Avoid Incidental Trapping of Lynx
After a brief intermission, the Canada lynx issue is back to the forefront of outdoor politics in the state of Minnesota. This past Monday, a federal judged ruled that the Minnesota DNR "promptly take all action necessary to [ensure] no further taking of threatened Canada lynx". Basically, this means that the state must apply for an "incidental take permit" (ITP) from the … [Read more...]
Division Among Hunters and Trappers Weakens Sportsmen
Unity among hunting, fishing and trapping groups is a very important aspect of preserving the outdoor heritage enjoyed by participants in these activities. Being a hunter, fisherman and trapper myself, I find it hard to understand why trappers and hound hunters can't seem to get along in many areas. I hate to pick on any one state in particular, but Michigan has recently … [Read more...]
Trapping Near Trails: Avoid the Controversy
The issue of trapping on public trails has been a hot topic in the news lately. It seems like every few weeks a story comes out about a hiker's dog being killed in a trap, refuelling debate about how trappers should operate. New York State recently adopted emergency trapping regulations that made it illegal to set traps that could kill dogs near public trails in the state. … [Read more...]