Trapping: A Traditional Sport

by Katherine Moratz

Trapping has its roots deep in our country’s beginnings. Unfortunately, in the beginning, it wasn’t used in a sustainable manner. Today, it is a dying sport and trade, and few people pass on this tradition to their children. The sport is highly regulated in most states to limit incidental catches whether that is wildlife or domestic pets. These regulations discourage some trappers from continuing. The stricter regulations can make it too complicated for trappers who have trapped for decades. Safety is a concern for many who also use the outdoors, and trappers realize that safety of others is a priority when they make their sets. Because trapping is controversial, some groups continue to challenge the need for it and want to see trapping banned across the United States.

                One of my fondest memories as a child was being pulled by my dad in my pink sled as he checked his trap line. Trapping and hunting is something my father has passed on to me, and something I believe everyone should be educated about. I passed my trappers education class when I was 14, and I have helped on my dad’s trap line ever since. I think that learning to live off the land is an important skill to learn. It connects a person with the land and nature which is a valuable tool for teaching others to conserve natural resources.

When applied correctly, trapping is not only a fun sport to engage outdoorsmen in, but it can be utilized safely in areas where hunting is not allowed. I believe that trapping is a unique management tool available to control wildlife populations. In this increasingly developed landscape, hunting isn’t always an option for controlling wildlife because of safety reasons. Trapping can provide a safe alternative when applied in the correct manner. Traps and more importantly cable restraints can be used in urban settings to remove nuisance animals. These animals can provide a good resource for trappers who are looking to capture animals for their fur sale. If regulations are specific and clear as to how body gripper traps must be enclosed to prevent incidental captures of domestic pets.

Trapping and cable restraints have the ability to be selective in the animals that are captured, just like hunting. Trappers can use lures to attract certain animals. Other times, when dealing with leg-hold traps triggers can be manipulated so that a certain amount of weight is needed before the trap fires . Sometimes that is successful, and sometimes it isn’t. Leg-hold traps can give trappers the ability to release incidental captures. Traps are required to be checked every 24 hours reducing the stress on the captured animal and also reducing damage to the leg in the trap.

I think that trapping should be something that should be preserved for future generations to enjoy and utilize. I enjoy it more than hunting because it is more challenging. It is something that requires some skill and you can learn ways to be successful from someone else. To me, that interaction with someone else, like a father or grandfather, makes this sport so fun. That bonding time in the wilderness is hands down the best way to spend time with the younger generation. That is something that everyone should have the right to enjoy.