Respect the Public
Nothing in your “trapping ethics kit” is more important than trapping legally. Furbearers are a natural resource that belong to the trapping and non-trapping public alike. Trapping laws and regulations are made to conserve the furbearer resource and protect animal welfare.
Each year, wildlife agents arrest many violators. The violators are actually thieves, stealing from a public resource. Trapping violators are a threat to you because illegal trapping gives all trapping a bad image. Also, some landowners close their lands to all trapping because of illegal trapping.
- Follow and support the trapping regulations in your area by reporting any trappers you notice violating laws.
- Report violations to the nearest game wardens. Many states have toll-free numbers for reporting violations. These numbers allow you to remain anonymous. In Montana, you can report the violations at 1-800-TIP-MONT or 1-800-847-6668.
- Know the phone numbers and procedures for reporting violations in your state.
- Properly didpose of all animal carcasses. Improper disposal can offend the public. These actions may encourage the public to push for a ban on all trapping.
- Do not trap near property boundaries, unless you have permission to trap on both properties.
- Make selective sets that are unlikely to attract or capture pets.
- Advocate for animal welfare and wildlife management. Be able to explain that trapping is a highly regulated activity with benefits for wildlife management.
- Present a professional image when talking to non-trappers and the media.
- Avoid displaying trapped animals on social media and other outlets.
- Wear clean and appropriate clothing in public places.
How to Behave if Confronted by Anti-Trapper Protesters
If you are confronted by anti-trapper protesters, do the following:
- Remain calm and polite, and do not engage in arguments—never lose your temper.
- Never touch an anti-trapper or use any physical force, and especially never threaten an anti-trapper with your firearm.
- Report hunter or trapper harassment to law enforcement authorities. If possible, record the vehicle license number of harassers. Hunter harassment is illegal in Montana.
