The NCTA held a Trapper Education Program at the Wake County Wildlife Club on Saturday, May 12, 2001 with over 30 attendees. The morning started out with classroom activities with the following discussion topics:

1. History and Heritage of Trapping

2. Trapping and Wildlife Management

3. Furbearer Management in NC

4. Trapping Ethics and Trapper Responsibilities

5. Trapping Laws and Regulations in NC

6. Furbearer Identification and Behavior

7. Trapline Equipment, Supplies, and Costs

8. Pre-Season Trapline Activities

9. Trapline Safety and Proper Handling of Catch

10. Post-Season Trapline Activities

11. Political Influence and Protecting Trapper Rights

The afternoon found us in the field where several trapping demonstrations were provided. Dryland raccoon trapping with 220 conibears, beaver snaring, removing educated beaver using foothold traps, using the 330 conibears to catch beaver, and dryland foothold trapping for coyotes and fox were all part of what was enjoyed by all. A tour of a professional fur shed took place. As well as a written test to end the day.
 

The next North Carolina Trapper Education Program is scheduled for the Spring of 2002. If interested please contact Dave Woodward at (919)515-1980 or by email - david_woodward@ncsu.edu The course is free so make arrangements to be there. The handbook and other materials will be waiting for you, if you let us know you want to attend.

The Trapper Education Program is for young and old. Everyone is welcome to attend as we will help you become a more responsible and ethical trapper. The program instills the wise use of and respect for our fur bearing resources, as well as consideration for other people, to insure that trapping will remain an outdoor activity. The history and heritage of trapping is explained. All trapping laws and regulations are reviewed. Safety and proper handling of animals are demonstrated. The trapper's ability is upgraded to reduce catching non-targets and educate them about the most humane traps and methods available to reduce injuries.

Despite what is said, trapping does not harm wildlife populations. Trapping is regulated and enforced by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Trapping provides the public a service of removing overpopulated species that threaten public safety, cause property damage, or are a nuisance. A wise use of a natural renewable resource. Traps are not a public safety hazard. Documented cases of injury by traps are rare if not nonexistent. Traps are being improved to make them as humane as possible. Where trapping bans have been implemented, serious animal damage problems occur, with no way to control them. A wildlife management system (with traps) that works, is replaced by a very impaired management system that requires tax money to respond to increased complaints.

We need to educate our youth that some animals must be removed and that is o.k. We owe it to our wildlife to manage them properly and that includes trapping. Only common and abundant animals are trapped. Trapping provides parents quality time to spend with their children. Not only is trapping challenging and a healthy exercise, you develop a deep respect for wildlife. Trapping teaches discipline and responsibility. Provides an activity for our youth that may otherwise turn to drugs and alcohol. Death must occur in nature. Why not replace disease, starvation, etc., which is cruel, with proper management that includes humane traps.

Most of the information you see, read, or hear about how trapping is bad comes from the Animal Rights industry. Be careful about what you believe to be true. Ask our professional State Wildlife Biologists. Animal Rights groups only want one thing - your $$$. Do they truly care about our wildlife? Can their information be verified? The FBI has several of the top Animal Rights groups under investigation for their illegal activities.

The number of people who engage in an activity that does not impact others is irrelevant. Trapping provides a desired occupation. Have you ever been on a trapline or seen the equipment we use? How can you make a decision without first knowing what it is you are voting on? Trappers have been involved with the restoration of endangered and threatened animals like wolves and otters here in NC. Trappers would be the first to know and speak out to change the regulations to ensure the best for the animals we pursue. Our skill and commitment go unappreciated and often scorned by most until their home is flooded or invaded, pets are killed, drinking water is threatened, and/or children's safety is threatened. It won't be until then will you realize the need of a trapper.