Furbearer Management
AFWA Inspires
Furbearer Management and Best Management Practices for Trapping
Since the inception of this program in 1997, over 600 trap types have been evaluated for 23 species of furbearers with a North American investment of some $40 million dollars.
About the Furbearer Management and Best Management Practices for Trapping Program:
The purpose of AFWA's Furbearer Management and Best Management Practices for Trapping Program (BMPs) is to improve regulated trapping by evaluating trapping devices and techniques used for the capture of furbearers and educating those who use traps about the most humane, safe, selective, efficient and practical devices. Traps are evaluated using standards and protocols developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Trapping Matters:
Regulated trapping is used by State, Federal and Tribal agencies to manage wildlife and their habitats, and it provides many benefits to people. Protecting endangered species during vulnerable life-cycle periods (e.g. sea turtles, island and ground nesting birds), reintroducing populations (e.g., river otters; gray, red and mexican wolves; beavers), scientifically monitoring animal population size and health, providing relief to the public from property damage (e.g., livestock, agriculture, forestry, infrastructure), protecting public health and safety (e.g., rabies, flooding) and insuring that resources are used responsibly are some of the many ways agencies use trapping. Trapping is highly regulated by agencies through scientifically based laws, rules and regulations that are strictly enforced by wildlife conservation officers. Animal populations are carfefully monitored with trapping so that trapping does not cause species to become endangered. In fact, only abundant species of wildlife are trapped and its use helps promote healthy population levels. Those who participate in trapping are required to have a trapping or hunting license and education for trappers is provided in all States. Wildlife biologists, the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians and the American Veterinary Medical Association support the use of trapping in wildlife managment, as does the vast majority of the public and many other conservation organizations.
Resources
AFWA Letter Supporting the BMP Program
Response to a critique of the BMP Program
BMP FAQ 2024
Communication Strategy for Trapping and Furbearer Management (updated 2019)
Conservation Briefs:
Regulated Trapping and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
The Implication of a Statewide Ban on Trapping: The Massachusetts Experience
Public Safety and Regulated Trapping
The Sustainable Harvest of Black Bear Populations in North America
Science Briefs
Animal Welfare
Selectivity in Trapping
Sustainable Use
Predation Management
Research on Trapping:
Best Management Practices for Trapping Furbearers in the United States. Wildlife Monographs. 2020
River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion. JWM. 2020
Trapping and Furbearer Management in North American Wildlife Conservation. International Journal of Environmental Studies. 2015
New Guidelines for Furbearer Trapping (BMPs). The Wildlife Professional. 2010
An Otterly Successful Restoration: The Return of North American River Otters. The Wildlife Professional. 2018
Trapping in Wildlife Conservation: How Ready are Wildlife Professionals for Conversations With the Public? The Wildlife Professional. 2015
Trappers as Citizen Scientists. The Wildlife Professional. 2016
Use of Bodygrip Traps on Dryland: A Guide To Responsible Use. 2017
Modern Snares for Capturing Mammals: Definitions, Mechanical Attributes and Use Considerations. 2009
Trapping and Furbearer Management in North American Wildlife Conservation. NEFRTC. Updated 2016
The Costs of Losing Hunting and Trapping In North America. Southwick Associates. 2005
A Transformation in Trapping. The Wildlife Professional. 2019
An Elevator Pitch for Trapping. The Wildlife Professional. 2019
Trapping's Past, Present and Future. The Wildlife Professional. 2019
Trapper Education:
North American Trapper Education Program
North American Trapper Education Manual (version 2005)
North American Trapper Education Manual (version 2022)
Trappers and Social Media
Key Messages For Trappers
Trapping in the 21st Century Brochure (2018)
How to Avoid the Incidental Take of Wolverine
How to Avoid the Incidental Take of Canada Lynx
Trapping Fact Sheet_2020
Surveys & Reports:
Trap Use, Furbearers Trapped, and Trapper Characteristics in the U.S. in 2024
Trap Use, Furbearers Trapped, and Trapper Characteristics in the U.S. in 2015
Trap Use, Furbearers Trapped, and Trapper Characteristics in the U.S. in 2015 Brochure (2018)
Public Attitudes Toward and Awareness of Trapping Issues in CT, IN and WI, 2016
2026 Summary of State Furbearer Trapping Regulations Survey Report
2016 Summary of State Furbearer Trapping Regulations Survey Report
Public Attitudes Toward and Awareness of Trapping Issues in CT, IN and WI Brochure (2018)
Summary of State Furbearer Trapping Regulations Survey Report Brochure (2018)
Trapping Matters and Fur Schools Summary Report 2015-2017
Trapping Matters and Fur Schools Summary Report 2018
Trapping Matters and Fur Schools Summary Report 2019
Trapping Matters Workshops Summary Report 2021-2022
Trapping Matters Workshops Summary Report 2023-2024
Wild Fur Schools Summary Report 2024
US Furbearer Harvest Statistics Database 1970-2018
Furbearer Management Outreach Project Pilot States Report
Public Attitudes Toward and Awareness of Trapping Issues in CT, IN and WI, 2001
Public Perceptions of the Use of Fur Products, Regulated Trapping and Sustainable Wildlife Use 2020
Mammal Trapping within the National Wildlife Refuge System 1992-1996
Agreed Minute and Related Documents:
Presidential Task Force on Trapping Policy Report
Details of the US-EC Understanding on Trade in Wild Furs
Agreed Minute Side Letter
Agreed Minute