Trapping Terminology

Using The Correct

TermTerminology is a special word or expression that has a precise meaning. The term trapping alone is often perceived as a negative word, however by just adding the word regulated in front of trapping you turn your message into a positive one! “Regulated trapping” means the activity of trapping furbearers is managed through regulations and laws that are enforced by state and federal natural resource agencies. And did you know many people don’t even realize trapping is a highly regulated activity?

The Wildlife Society has a position statement on the importance of regulated trapping. The “Trapping Furbearers” position statement recognizes regulated trapping as a safe, effective, efficient, acceptable, and ecologically sound method of managing and harvesting furbearers because of the many benefits provided.

The Wildlife Society recognizes:
1. Furbearer trapping, when properly regulated following biological principles for sustainable harvest of wildlife species, is an appropriate public use of wildlife resources and an effective method of sustainably managing and studying wildlife populations.
2. Regulated trapping of furbearers provides benefits including reduced human-wildlife conflicts, management of wildlife disease outbreaks, control of invasive species, protection and restoration of species, ecological knowledge, and a connection to nature.
3. Supports the appropriate regulation of regulated trapping and enforcement of trapping laws by public and indigenous agencies. Such enforcement is necessary to help maintain viable furbearer populations and management programs that are compatible with or enhance the management of other wildlife species, including threatened and endangered wildlife.
The American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians position statement recognizes regulated trapping as a legitimate tool and supports the use of foot-hold traps. Foot-hold traps are referred to as important tools that are humane, safe, selective and practical.
Even the American Veterinary Medical Association position statement encourages active research on improvement of capture devices and trapping methods for wildlife, taking into regard the provision of good welfare. Anyone using traps should refer to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA’s) Policy for Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Trapping in the United States. The purpose of AFWA's Furbearer Management and Best Management Practices for Trapping Program BMPs is to improve regulated trapping by evaluating trapping devices and techniques used for the capture of furbearers and educating those who use traps about the most humane, safe, selective, efficient and practical devices. Traps are evaluated using standards and protocols developed by the International Organization for Standardization.
All three professional organizations refer to using and developing trapping BMPs. “Wildlife biologists, the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, and the American Veterinary Medical Association all support the use of trapping in wildlife management, as does the vast majority of the public and many other conservation organizations.” State and federal agencies have invested millions of dollars to research and identify the most selective, efficient, and humane traps and trapping practices for trapping BMPs. National and state trapping organizations have also provided subject matter expertise and technical support to the trapping BMPs. More on trapping BMPs in a future newsletter titled “Why Trapping Matters”! With this level of professional support, why is trapping considered controversial by some? The good news is it may not be as controversial as perceived. When the public is asked if they support regulated trapping, a majority express support and this far exceeds disapproval. And that support for regulated trapping has increased over the past 20 years.

However, educating others to understand the mechanics of regulated trapping and its role in conservation starts with the words and expressions we choose to use. The language and words we use are very important. We view trapping as a fun challenging experience, a way to make extra income, and that we just enjoy spending time outdoors. However, we must recognize the general public does not view our reasons as important or share our same values. Support is better achieved when others know animal welfare protections are in place, traps are selective, and trapping provides many benefits to society because in general, the use of any animal is opposed by many including hunting and fishing. Knowing state wildlife agencies are enforcing regulations about the method of take, check times, and seasons address the core values that others have which helps us achieve acceptance. Their perceived benefit and reasons for regulated trapping impacts whether or not they will accept it.