Humane Killing Methods

If you use restraining devices, you must be able to kill a trapped furbearer safely and humanely.

• The best method is to shoot the animal in the head with a .22-caliber firearm. Aim between the eyes and up a little.
• If the animal has bitten someone or if you have reason to suspect rabies, shoot the animal in the heart instead. Always shoot skunks in the heart; these animals can carry the rabies virus without showing any symptoms.
• Lay the animal with its head facing downhill if possible. This will allow the animal to bleed out while you remake the set.
• For the ride home, lay the animal on newspapers.
• When you use a firearm to dispatch trapped animals, you should know and follow all firearm safety rules.
• If you are not able to carry a firearm on the trapline, you will have to dispatch animals using a different method. One way is to strike smaller furbearers, such as raccoons, opossums, and foxes, at the base of the skull with a heavy wooden or metal tool.

Always decide and plan how you will dispatch animals before setting your traps.

Safe Firearm Handling Practices

If you use a firearm to dispatch trapped animals, follow these safety guidelines.

• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. This is true even if the firearm is not loaded.
• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
• Keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to use it.
• Keep the safety on. Keep fingers outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
• When you shoot at an animal in a trap, be aware that bullets could ricochet off the trap or nearby rocks. Ask any companions to stand behind you.
• Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it. Take only safe shots.
• Do not make contact shots by touching the muzzle to the animal. Always fire from at least several inches away.
• Wear eye and ear protection.
• Take a hunter education course to learn more about firearm safety.