Most folks don't realize that the foothold trap is a safe and humane method of capturing furbearers, and that we trappers have the ability to release our catch alive and well as the situation permits. For instance, Maine trappers are required to release Canada lynx that are often caught in their fox and coyote sets, and routinely do so with oversight from biologists. There are … [Read more...]
Wild Hog Control: Trapping More Effective Than Hunting
Wild hog populations are out of control in the United States, and it's estimated that they cause $1.5 billion worth of damage nationwide. Research in Mississippi indicates that hunter harvest of hogs is not adequate to control their populations, but trapping holds some promise. From the Mississippi Business Journal: Traps can remove a greater number of pigs from an area … [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...]
Attempts to Ban Trapping, 2013 Edition
Despite the success of trapping as a tradition, rural income source and wildlife management tool, there are always attempts by animal rights groups to ban the practice. Here at Trapping Today we try to keep you informed on the latest trap ban attempts. Here are a few from 2013. In Montana, activists are gathering signatures to put a question on the 2014 ballot to ban … [Read more...]
High Fur Prices in the Media
It seems the media is beginning to catch on to the news of last year's high fur prices, with a couple of recent stories on the fur market's impact on trappers. Here's part of a story from Montana: The demand for fur is on the rise and prices are booming, providing a windfall to Montana trappers who say their industry has hit a 30-year high. And market indicators suggest … [Read more...]
North Dakota Trapper Targets Muskrats
Muskrat trapping is a lot of fun. And it's becoming more rewarding with increasing pelt prices over the past couple of years. But for most trappers, the experience trumps the financial considerations of trapping. Nat Bornsen is a North Dakota trapper who targets muskrats. Click here to read Nat's story. … [Read more...]
Trapping Today News Roundup: 1/8/2012
With plenty of trapping-related stories in the news lately, I thought I'd take the opportunity to give you a sample of what's out there. You can click on the links below to read these news stories. River Otters Returning to northwest Ohio - For the first time in over 100 years, wildlife officials have confirmed a river otter in Putnam County, Ohio. The recovery and … [Read more...]
Market for Muskrats Gains Attention
The Wall Street Journal just posted an interesting article on the recent rise in demand and prices for muskrat furs. They took the time to interview several trappers and relay their thoughts on the muskrat market, as well as the fur market in general. The North American muskrat market has been booming, thanks to soaring purchases by Chinese and other newly rich nations that … [Read more...]