Regardless of how you feel about this year's presidential election, in some states voters turned out to decide on issues directly affecting trappers. And we won two victories this year. In Montana, I-177 was a ballot initiative to ban trapping on all public lands in the state. The animal rights folks tried to get this on the ballot last time around but failed. This time … [Read more...]
You Can Be Part of a New Trapping Show! “Ultimate American Trapper” Casting Call
Are you a trapper with a story to tell? Can you produce a good quality video? Up for a little friendly competition while sharing your knowledge with other trappers? “Ultimate American Trapper” may be the perfect opportunity for you. Shon Butler of Buckhaven Productions is looking for trappers interested in being a part of a new trapping show to be hosted right here on … [Read more...]
Trapping Today News Roundup, February 2016
It's late February and by now we have a pretty good handle on the poor fur market and what we can expect for fur prices moving forward. Outside of the fur market, though, there's always news going on in the trapping world. Here are a few recent items. NH Bobcat Trapping New Hampshire Fish and Game has approved the state's first bobcat trapping season in decades. Recent … [Read more...]
Still Trapping Despite Low Fur Prices
Times of low fur prices help to highlight many of the other reasons trappers get out in the field. Not only is trapping an enjoyable and fulfilling activity that gets folks close with nature and their subsistence background, harvesting furbearers is also critical to proper wildlife management. Here's a quote from Luke Laha in a recent Wichita Eagle article following a … [Read more...]
Trapping News Update: April 2015
Here's a bit of news from the trapping world this week. Restrictions to trappers in Minnesota are being considered by the state's legislature, including requirements to help prevent the chances of body gripping traps from catching dogs, and a proposal requiring trappers to obtain written permission from landowners. The Ruffed Grouse Society has weighed in on the issues, as … [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...]
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Reviewing Maine’s ITP Application for Trapping and Lynx
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently considering an application by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for an incidental take permit for Canada lynx. The ITP would provide legal protection for the Department's trapping program and trappers who incidentally capture lynx, which are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act. In return, the … [Read more...]