The Purpose of Trapping Regulations

Furharvesting laws are intended to:

• Ensure that the furbearer resource will not be over-harvested.
• Permit reasonable use of this resource.
• Allow everyone an opportunity to harvest a fair share of the surplus crop.
• Minimize waste.
• Protect animal welfare and ensure that animals are taken in a humane manner.
• Minimize the chances of catching non-target animals.
• Protect people from the property damage and disease caused by too many furbearers.
• Control furbearer populations within desirable limits.

Furharvesting regulations are published annually and can be obtained from any hunting license agent. All trappers should become thoroughly familiar with the laws that govern their sport.

Factors That Affect Trapping Regulations

The following factors affect trapping regulations:

• Changes in the furbearer population level
• Changes in trapping technology
• Changes in the number of trappers
• Changes to the habitat
• Changes in nuisance problems from furbearers
• Changes in public attitudes
• The need to protect rare or endangered species from predatory furbearers