Pennsylvania outdoor writer Ron Tussel recently authored a great article on trapping in the state. Trapping has had some bad press in the past, spurred and funded mostly by anti-fur and animal rights groups. Trapping, in fact, is highly regulated and foot-hold traps must not surpass a jaw width of 6.5 inches in Pennsylvania. Foot-hold traps are designed to restrain an … [Read more...]
Efforts Continue to Limit Trapping in New Mexico
Trapping continues to be a controversial topic in New Mexico. This past summer, we reported on a move by the New Mexico State Game Commission to follow the recommendations of the New Mexico Game and Fish Department to overturn a ban on trapping in New Mexico's Wolf Recovery Area. The ban was put in place by former Gov. Bill Richardson in an attempt to protect recovering gray … [Read more...]
New Mexico Trapping Ban Overturned
There's great news for trappers in New Mexico today. The New Mexico State Game Commission unanimously voted to overturn a ban placed on trapping in the Gray Wolf Recovery Area by Governor Bill Richardson last year. We reported on the trapping ban a year ago, and noted that a study was underway to determine whether trapping in New Mexico had an impact on the wolf population. … [Read more...]
Muskrat Trapping Extended in Illinois
Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed a bill on Tuesday that extends muskrat trapping in the state. Muskrats are found throughout the state, and trapping of the species is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Congratulations, Illinois trappers! In a time where it seems like trapping rights are constantly being eroded, it's nice to see new trapping … [Read more...]
First Ever Trapping Show Comes to Satellite TV
It's official. Beginning this summer, a new show dedicated entirely to trapping will be airing on satellite televisions around the world. F&T's North American Trapper, something that most of us could only dream about in the past, will be hosted by popular outdoor television host Alan Probst and broadcast over 32 million households starting in July. Here's what Probst had … [Read more...]
NTA Southeast Regional Convention This Weekend
The National Trappers Association is holding its 7th Annual Southeast Regional Convention this weekend (April 9-11) in Calhoun, Georgia. It looks to be an eventful weekend, with lots of vendors and a top-notch list of professional trappers giving demonstrations, including Kirk DeKalb, Slim Pederson, Jackie Malone, James Lord, Clint Locklear, Hal Sullivan, and many others. If … [Read more...]
I-160: Initiative to Ban Trapping on Public Land in Montana
The anti-hunting, anti-trapping crowd is at it again. This time it's in Montana - a once conservative, property rights oriented state that has seen drastic changes in demographics over the past few decades. Fresh faces, liberal ideas, and city lifestyle have paved the way for animal rights initiatives in a state where such nonsense would once have been unthinkable. But here … [Read more...]
Trapping Ban Results in Coyote Problems
Coyote populations have been expanding throughout the United States, and in the absence of hunting or trapping, these wily dogs can become pretty fearless of humans and civilization. Marc Folco's recent article in South Coast Today highlights the growing coyote problem in the state of Massachusetts, where a ban on trapping has been in place since 1996. While a bit inaccurate … [Read more...]