California just made animal trapping officially uncool, according to an article via MeatEater. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill banning trapping for recreation or fur sales, making California the first state to do it. Supporters call fur trapping outdated; critics call it an effective form of wildlife management.
However, trapping was already barely a thing in the state, with only 133 licenses sold in 2018. The twist is that this law bans getting the fur, not selling it—so fur and leather can still be bought, just sourced elsewhere.
Outdoors and conservation folks see it as political theater and worry it’s another step toward squeezing hunters and anglers, while anti-wildlife management supporters see it as a win. Either way, California’s drawing a hard line—and kicking the debate way beyond fur coats.
What do you think?
Photo via Gateway Graphic Design and Photography
