Common Practices of Ethical Trappers

Bear trappers can increase public acceptance of bear trapping and help maintain opportunities for all trappers by following the principles and practices highlighted in this course.

Trappers not only have a legal responsibility to follow laws and regulations but also have an obligation to make ethical decisions when their actions might affect wildlife, landowners, domestic animals and pets, other outdoor users, or the public.

To be an ethical trapper, you should:

• Be conservation-minded and trap where there is an abundance of black bears.
• Respect private property by always asking the landowner for permission to set cable restraining devices on their property. (Written permission is required in Maine)
• Check your cable restraining devices frequently, preferably in the morning, to minimize the time an animal is in the cable device and dispatch bear humanely. (Traps must be tended daily in Maine)
• Trap responsibly by always using the most selective and humane methods, traps, and sets for your target. Always include your contact information on your sets.
• Use all products from trapped wildlife to the extent possible and dispose of unused carcasses and by-products properly.
• Cooperate with state fish and wildlife agencies by assisting agency staff with data collection and other requests.
• Promptly report any wildlife issues such as disease, as well as potential violations observed in the field.
• Obey all trapping laws and regulations and support their strict enforcement.
• Train new trappers by becoming a mentor to help with the recruitment, growth, and development of new, ethical trappers. Consider joining a trapping association or club.
• Respect other trappers by not tampering with their equipment or sets. If you notice a person trapping nearby, it it’s preferable to seek another location to provide equal opportunity.