Respecting the Public and the Landowners

While you are trapping, always remember that you are a guest on someone’s land. Here are some common errors that beginning trappers make that affect the general public and landowners.

• Failing to Choose an Appropriate Location. Trappers should avoid placing cable devices:
  • In areas where there is a lot of human traffic. Examples are parks, hiking and biking trails, and residential areas.
  • In areas where there is a high likelihood of capturing livestock or pets. These include feedlots, parks, areas where dogs are used for hunting, and other similar locations.
• Failing to Respect Property Rights. Trapping is a privilege and not a right.
  • Trappers should always:
    • Obtain the landowner’s permission before entering their lands.
    • Inform landowners of other pertinent details, such as when they plan to be on the property, the areas where they plan to trap, any incidental capture of domestic animals or livestock, and other issues that might be important.
    • Carefully follow the landowner’s instructions and obey any requests.
    • Avoid interfering or tampering with the sets of another person.
  • In Pennsylvania, it is unlawful to:
    • Trap without the landowner’s permission or…
    • Disturb the traps or remove captured wildlife from the traps of other trappers without their specific permission.