Trapping Methods
When conducting urban or residential animal damage control, humane traps are utilized. Cage type traps, which simply catches the animal and serves as a cage afterwards, are very useful for trapping raccoons, skunks, opossums, armadillos, woodchucks, and occasionally otter.
When using foothold type traps, commonly referred to as steel traps, a Softcatch rubber padded trap is often utilized. This trap is designed to prevent damage to the animal’s foot, leg, and shoulder. It is a very effective predator trap, and is not harmful to dogs that might accidentally get caught.
When conducting predator management or beaver control on large tracts of land or water, the Best Management Practices (BMP) guidelines, as set forth by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, are incorporated. BMP guidelines are carefully researched recommendations designed to address animal welfare and increase trappers’ efficiency and selectivity. Extensive research and field-testing were used to develop BMPs.
Softcatch Trap
Conibears, also known as body gripping traps, are commonly used for beaver and otter when trapping in the water. Cable restraints, often referred to as snares, are very effective at capturing coyotes, feral hogs, foxes, beaver, otter and raccoons. Species specific traps are also used to capture raccoons.
Beaver captured in a snare
Animals that are euthanized are done so in a humane manner. In some cases, the animal may be sent to the state health department for disease analysis. Any animal that is suffering from a disease or is seriously injured will be euthanized.
Trapper Education
Trapping is part of our North American heritage. However, in today’s society, trapping is regulated and the means and methods are far different than that of our ancestors. Most states require that trappers complete a trapper education program covering skills, regulations, and trapping's role in scientific wildlife management. Trapper education programs teach basic techniques with a strong focus on the responsible treatment of animals, legal methods, safety, selectivity, and ethical trapper behavior. This Trapper Education Program was developed by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The Association represents professionals from the fish and wildlife agencies of the states, provinces, and federal governments of the U.S. and Canada. The program was developed to:
• protect the health, safety, and welfare of people, wildlife, and domestic animals
• support wildlife conservation programs that sustain species and ecosystems for the benefit of future generations
• increase the benefits society currently receives from regulated trapping activities With fur prices at an all time low, most trapping today is performed for the purpose of controlling populations or removing problem animals
