Code of Ethics for Responsible Trapping

As Aldo Leopold, the “father of wildlife management,” once said, “Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.”

Here are 13 rules that make up a “Code of Ethics for Responsible Trapping.”

• Obtain permission from landowners before trapping on their land.
• Do not set traps in areas where farm animals might be caught.
• Check traps at least once a day, preferably in the early morning.
• Record trap locations accurately.
• Identify all traps with waterproof name and address tags.
• Use as much of the animal as possible before disposing of remains.
• Dispose of animal carcasses properly so as not to offend others.
• Make an effort to trap in areas with a surplus of animals.
• Promptly report the presence of diseased animals to wildlife authorities.
• Support and help train new trappers.
• Know and follow all trapping regulations.
• Support enforcement of all regulations.
• Dispatch trapped furbearers in a humane manner.