Ready, Set, Trap

[Tim Nunan]

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Ready, Set, Trap

12/22/11

Trapping continues to be a hot topic in some regions, and a target for

anti-trapping organizations everywhere. The robust fur markets in some

regions of the country today are proof that trapping is here to stay for

a long, long time. Trapping is definitely an important hobby, outdoors

pursuit, and vital tool for wildlife managers.

If you need more reason to get outdoors, or want to improve the odds of

survival for some popular and huntable animal species like rabbits,

waterfowl, or wild turkeys, then take up trapping.

Traps can also help take and control problem species, like beavers, that

inflict millions of dollars of damage to property or crops each year.

These damages range from ruined timber, to flooded crops, to holes dug

in dikes and dams. Then there�s the growing problem of missing pets�with

coyotes being the culprits.

For example, one damage control specialist in Illinois recently reported

that he had requests to trap and check the stomach contents of coyotes

that were thought to have eaten pet dogs and prized cats in one region.

In one case a coyote apparently ate a cat that was wearing a custom

diamond encrusted collar.

There�s also the �smelly� issue of skunks. Anyone who has ever had a dog

sprayed by a skunk wants trapping of the black and white creatures to

begin immediately! It is also a fact that trapping helps prevent rabies

and other threats to public health and safety brought on by a sharp rise

in furbearer populations.

These include diseases spread by�or contracted by�foxes and raccoons.

There are far more of these nuisance critters out in the fields and

forests than the average citizen realizes. All you need to do to get a

fractional estimate of the local population is look on and along the

highways for road kill animals. You�ll probably see lots of raccoons,

some foxes and a few coyotes, and in some places beavers, and the

occasional bobcat. Raccoons have become very common in some areas and

have caused homeowner problems by raiding bird feeders, trash cans, and

pet food dishes.

The good news is that trapping supplies today are generally inexpensive

and so are many resident trapping licenses. Fur prices, however, remain

generally low partly because of the weak economy. With high gas prices

on top of those, there may be critters and opportunities for you and for

your traps.

For more information on trapping, visit the Fur Takers of America at

www.furtakersofamerica.com

[DaveS]

Trapping is a good way to control certain species of animals, put a few dollars in your pocket, and send pretty furs overseas. Here's the problem...I trapped for many years, and still do it for personel reasons. Fur prices have dropped, gas has went up, and the liabilities invovled in trapping, just doesn't make it feasible anymore.

Here in Tennessee, you have to have "Specific Permission" to trap, file a report and be responsable for every "Domestic animal" caught in a trap, and most WMA's don't allow trapping....it ain't worth it anymore!

I have some beautiful Mink, Muskrat and beaver pelts from days gone by. That's the problem my friend....days gone by. I do have a Coon problem on my property....as soon as deer season is over....I'll start trapping them out. However, I'll only trap them if I have a buyer and/or someone who wants them for the table....any ideas?

Edited December 23, 2011 by wd-40