With Opening Day of Trapping Season it’s a great time to review the Trappers Code of Ethics.
All Trappers Should:
- Respect the other trapper’s “grounds” – particularly brushed, maintained trap lines with a history of use.
- Check traps regularly.
- Promote trapping methods that will reduce the possibility of catching non-target animals.
- Obtain landowners’ permission before trapping on private property.
- Know and use proper releasing and killing methods.
- Develop set location methods to prevent losses.
- Trap in the most humane way possible.
- Dispose of animal carcasses properly.
- Concentrate trapping in areas where animals are over-abundant for the supporting habitat.
- Promptly report the presence of diseased animals to wildlife authorities.
- Assist landowners who are having problems with predators and other furbearers that have become a nuisance.
- Support and help train new trappers in trapping ethics, methods and means, conservation, fur handling and marketing.
- Obey all trapping regulations, and support strict enforcement by reporting violations.
- Support and promote sound furbearer management.
Enjoy the 2014-2015 Montana trapping season responsibly and ethically. See you out there!
The Alaska Trappers Manual and the Alaskan’s How-To Manual are available through the ATA – see listing of retail books for more info.
The Code of Ethics is reprinted from the Alaska Trappers Manual. The manual was created in a joint effort by the Alaska Trappers Association and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
