Trapping In The 21st Century, 2010 Edition

6Trapping in the 21st CenturyTrapping in the 21st Centuryyears. Being adaptable to change is part of ourchallenge in the 21st Century. The furbearers are there,the markets are there. The management authority toregulate trapping will remain in the hands of DECWildlife Managers if each of us thinks about what weare doing and acts responsibly. New York has some ofthe finest trappers who use state of the art equipmentand techniques which have been refined overapproximately 500 years. We can and must face theincreasing pressures and meet the demands to be moreselective in our trapping pursuits. Highly selective trapsand techniques are available now and more areconstantly being developed and refined. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies with assistance fromthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department ofAgriculture and states including New York hasconducted research to develop Best ManagementPractices (BMP's) for trapping. This research andrecommended BMP's may offer additional possibilitiesfor selective trapping.This booklet is an effort to discuss anddemonstrate some highly selective techniques and tomaintain our high level of responsible, selectivetrapping in New York State.What is selective trapping and why be selective?Selective trapping is catching only thoseanimals you want to catch. The creative combination ofskills, techniques, equipment, and knowledge are thetools leading to the efficient and humane harvest of furwith the least number of unintentional captures of otheranimals. As trappers, we want to capture furbearersduring their open season. We do not want to capturedomestic animals or wildlife, except those furbearerswith an open season in our area. Being a selectivetrapper is something all of us should strive to become. Have the Joint Trapping Initiative (JTI) committeework with NYS DEC Furbearer Management Teamon all issues relative to trappers and trapping in NewYork; Work closely with NYSDEC in educational outreachprograms such as the: Trapper Training Courses, TheAdvanced Trapper Training Seminars and this booklet(Trapping in the 21st Century); Offer scholarships to students attending college; Offer a joint scholarship with the New York Chapterof The Wildlife Society for a college student in thenatural resources field to attend the Outdoor FieldCourse offered by the NE Section of TWS; Work jointly with the US Sportsmen’s Alliance topromote trapping as part of the USSA TrailblazerEvents held throughout New York State. Hold an Annual Spring Membership Conference. Hold an annual Fall Convention with vendors,demos, Trapper Training class, and business meeting. Be innovative, recently creating an annual “YouthTrapper Camp” in cooperation with the NYSDEC.NYSTA has defended trapping for over70 years and will continue to promoteand defend trapping into the future.31

30Trapping in the 21st CenturyTrapping in the 21st CenturyWhat has the New York State Trapper'sAssociation Done for you? Worked with New York's budget process to obtain 40,000 for the restoration of otter in Western New York; Contributed funds to New York's College ofEnvironmental Science and Forestry for the study ofFurbearers including the experimental release of lynx inthe Adirondacks; Defended trappers' interests during the Rockland andSuffolk County lawsuits;The essence of, and reward in trapping is attaining theknowledge and skill to catch the animals you aretargeting, while avoiding all other animals. Skills shouldconstantly be developed and improved. Researchleading to improvements in trapping equipment is ongoing. Techniques are developed and refined. Weshould seek out this information. Selective trappers havean ongoing curiosity about traps and furbearers, andalso about those animals they do not want to catch. Thisknowledge base is an important part of selectivetrapping. As an example, knowing the behavior of birds,especially migratory birds in the fall and spring is another tool for being selective. Migratory birds includesongbirds, waterfowl, wading birds and birds of prey.These birds follow major flyways or migration corridorsthat pass over much of New York State. Sent significant financial support to the NationalTrappers Association to work against the EuropeanEconomic Community ban against trapping;It is important to remember that birds of prey(including hawks and owls) and songbirds arecompletely protected by both State and Federal Law. Helped fund professional International wildlifeconferences.Birds of prey, especially bald eagles, can beanywhere but are attracted to shoreline areas of LakeChamplain, Lake George, the Hudson and DelawareRiver Corridors, the Sacandaga Reservoir, the St.Lawrence River, the Finger Lakes Region (especiallyareas around Montezuma and Iroquois National WildlifeRefuges) and New York City's reservoir system. Birds ofprey usually do not cross large bodies of water whenmigrating during the fall and spring. Instead, they tend tofollow the shorelines. This gives them opportunities tohunt and places to rest.The New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation has been successful in itsrestoration efforts to reintroduce some of New York'sthreatened and endangered birds of prey. The populations of species such as peregrine falcons, bald eaglesand ospreys are increasing. Bald Eagles now useThe New York State Trapper's Association has:NYSTA has and continues to: Promote the conservation and wise use of ourFurbearers and other wildlife; Employ a legislative liaison to represent us in Albany andprotect trappers' interests since the late 1970’s; Employ a full time Executive Director; Work with all political parties and many different interestgroups on behalf of trappers;Continued .7

8Trapping in the 21st CenturyTrapping in the 21st Centuryimportant wintering areas found on some of NewYork's large bodies of water, especially in the Catskillsand along the St. Lawrence River.These management efforts have overwhelmingsupport by the public including hunters, anglers andtrappers. By being selective, we can eliminate anynegative instances which might conflict with thispopular and positive management effort.A responsible trapper is always thinking aboutwhat is going on. If you find that your sets are not asselective as they should be, figure out why. Theneither change your methods or stop making those setsuntil you do figure out what is causing the problem.We need to be careful how we use differentsets. By being selective, we increase our efficiency atcapturing the furbearers we seek, while avoiding thecapture of other wildlife and pets. This increases ourability to catch our target species. However, the mostimportant reason to be selective is because it is theright thing to do. We should always be trying toimprove. It is our responsibility as trappers. This senseof responsibility is what helps to develop and maintaina positive public image, thus fostering an acceptanceof or tolerance to trappers and trapping.How to be selectiveMany species specific traps have recently beendeveloped for raccoon which are considered by manyto be dog-proof. These traps include Egg Traps , Lil’Grizz Get’rz, CSP Bandit Busters, Coon Daggers, DukeDP Coon traps, Grizz Grenades,Trapmaster CoonCatchers, Duffer Traps, and Coon Cuffs. These traps areall excellent choices for raccoon trapping and areadvertised in national trapping publications. If you catch an animal other than a legal furbearerdo not remake the set. This set is likely to attract andcatch another unintentional animal.Always be prepared to take responsibilityfor your actions!In SummaryRemember, selective trapping is the right thingto do. It is a part of our responsibility as trappers. Italso means developing and maintaining a positivepublic image which could enhance the acceptance ofor tolerance to trappers and trapping.Common sense and continued learning are theimportant components that lead to becoming aselective and responsible trapper. The importance ofbeing a selective trapper cannot be over emphasizedespecially as we enter this new Century.For more information on trapping techniquesrequest a free copy of the Trapper Training Manualfrom the nearest regional office of the NYS Departmentof Environmental Conservation. This informationalbooklet was brought to you by the combined effortsand resources of the New York State TrappersAssociation and the NYS Department of EnvironmentalConservation. It is a part of our ongoing efforts tomaintain and improve trapping.29

28Trapping in the 21st CenturyTrapping in the 21st CenturyFigure 12 Log float set covered with hoopsBox and Cage TrapsBox and Cage Traps (see Figure 1) have experienced a tremendous increase in use by nuisance andfur trappers. Box traps can easily be built at home orcustom built at local shops. There are currently dozensof manufacturers of cage traps listed in national trapping publications. While these traps are more expensivethan other devices, they will last a lifetime with propercare. They are probably one of the most acceptabletype of trap to the general public including landowners.Figure 1 Cage TrapCredit: NYS Department of Environmental ConservationReleasing other wildlife and petsThese animals may not be what you wanted tocatch, but treat them with respect.Credit: NYS Department of Environmental ConservationBirds: Use an empty packbasket, coat or an old blanketto cover the bird for release - be especially cautiousaround the talons and beaks of all birds of prey, heronsand egrets. Seek treatment if the bird is injured or cannot fly after being released.All other animals: Be careful! Watch out for the animal's teeth and claws.Use a catchpole, but do not pull too tight, especiallywith cats (wild or domestic). Remember any cat or dog, no matter how wild theyseem in the trap, may be someone's frightened butcherished pet. Seek treatment if the animal appearsinjured.Responsible Use of Bodygripping Traps on LandModern bodygripping traps have been used inNew York State for over 50 years. Since these trapsgenerally kill the target furbearer quickly andhumanely, they are popular with trappers and manynon-trappers. However, there are concerns about thesetraps catching and killing other wildlife and pets.Trappers in New York first addressed this concern byworking with DEC in 1975 to legally restrict the size ofbodygripping traps used on land to no more than 7½"in size. The 7½ x 7½" (220) size trap is very effective9

10Trapping in the 21st Centuryfor many furbearers, but they must be used ethically toreduce the potential of catching non-target animalssuch as cats and dogs.Trappers also worked with the NYSDEC in 2007to develop new regulations to make using bodygrippingtraps 7½” and smaller on land more selective. As aresult, bodygripping traps 5½” to 7½” not set in thewater and used with any bait, lure or any attractantmay only be used in:1) a cubby with any opening restricted to no morethan 6” high, 8” notches and with the trap recessedat least 4”; or2) a cubby with any opening no more than 10” highor wide and with the trap recessed at least 18”; or3) a vertical, single entrance cubby, no more than 6”above the ground and with the trap recessed atleast 4”; or4) a tree or on a pole at least 48” above the ground.NYSDEC Regulations currently state that bodygripping traps set on land shall not be within 100 feet ofa public trail except on Wildlife Management Areas.NYSDEC defines these public trails as “designated,marked and maintained paths or ways designed fornon-motorized recreational use on lands where thepublic has lawful access.”Trappers have worked with DEC to describe thelimited, careful setting of bodygripping traps in NewYork's mandatory Trapper Training Program. Trappingtechniques described in this booklet will help youfurther reduce the potential for catching other wildlifeor domestic animals.Since the mid 1970's there have been newdevelopments such as "greenways" and bicycle andhiking trails, most of which are used heavily by peopleand their pets. Some of these areas may be areas youTrapping in the 21st CenturyOptimum Methods for trapping muskrat &mink and avoiding otter & beaver Use only 4½”to 5½” bodygripping and small footholds.Anchor foothold traps in water deep enough todrown muskrats and mink, but not deep enough todrown otter or beaver.Have or have access to a catch pole to release anyotter or beaver accidentally captured.Use natural baits for muskrats rather than scentsmade from beaver or otter glandsLearn to identify beaver and otter sign such ascuttings, toilets, crossovers, and rolling areas.Always watch for their sign and if possible avoidtrapping when and where they are presentespecially the otter.Avoid other natural funnels, channels, spillwaysand large bank holes.Anchor all traps to hold any live animal that mightbe caught.Avoiding BirdsTo avoid wading birds, use an appropriate sizedbodygripping trap, or small foothold trap. Anchorall traps to hold any live animal that might becaught. Put protective hoops over float sets. Floating logsare used as loafing sites by waterfowl. By puttingcrossed hoops over your set, waterfowl will bediscouraged from using that site. (see Figure 12 ). Birds of prey are also attracted to these sites.If your catch has been eaten, remove the set.27

26Trapping in the 21st CenturyTrapping in the 21st Centurytrapped in the past. This is where it is important to beadaptable and use good sense.Figure 10 Modified triggerAt least 8”6½” or lessTrigger must be shortened to 6½” or less,and twisted or joined.There must be an 8”space between theinside edge of oneside of the trap and thetrigger.Additional suggestions for reducing the chance ofaccidentally capturing an otter or muskrat. When trapping for beaver, catch them as soon aspossible and pull your traps before otter move backinto the beaver flow.Avoid setting traps in bank holes.Learn to identify otter sign such as toilets, crossovers and rolling sites. Always watch for their sign,and if possible avoid trapping when and where theotter are present. With snow on the ground it isvery easy for otter to travel over land because oftheir sliding ability. Otter range widely and canpop up almost anywhere, anytime, sometimes evenin very small remote ponds.Avoid trapping spillways, crossovers, and othernatural funnels.Have access to a catch pole in order to release anyotter caught in a foothold trap and be careful.Notify DEC of any accidental otter captures.To catch beaver in open water, use castor moundsets away from sites likely to be used by otter.Use early style 330's or traps without tightly closingjaws, Canadian Bend, additional strike bars or overlapping jaws.Take a new look at your trapline. These highuse areas may no longer be good places to make yoursets the way you always have.It might be time to relocate your trapline to anew area with less public use, if you want to continueto trap there, use different devices such as cage orspecies specific traps (see page 8).Understanding the ProblemHow do bodygripping traps work? When thetrigger is tripped on a set bodygripping trap, the springsare released, rotating the upper jaws out and down andthe lower jaws out and up. The furbearer tripping thetrap is struck from above and below as the jaws close.The jaws close with sufficient force to quickly dispatchthe furbearer. The best location for the jaws of today'sbodygripping trap to strike furbearers would be acrossthe top and bottom of the neck or chest (see Figure 2).Catches across the side of the furbearer should beavoided. In some instances, the animal is “doublestruck”, when it is caught by all four jaws (see Figure3). Although this type of hold is also lethal, it oftentakes a few moments longer for the animal to expire. Byfollowing the suggestions in this booklet regarding theplacement and use of bodygripping traps you areassured of dispatching your target animals in a quick,humane manner.11

12Trapping in the 21st CenturyTrapping in the 21st CenturyBodygripping traps larger than 7½" wereprohibited on land in NYS in 1975 because these largertraps could strike a dog behind its ears and kill it.Smaller bodygripping traps are more effective forfurbearers like raccoon or fisher and are less likely tocatch and kill a dog.Figure 2 220 on RaccoonFigure 3 220 on Raccoon(showing proper hold)(showing improper hold)concern in Central and Western New York due torestoration efforts. Scout your trapping areas well andavoid areas with signs of otter.Optimum Methods for beaver trapping andavoiding otter & muskrats:The most selective set for beaver and not otteris an under ice, baited set. See Figure 9. (For moreinformation, this set is described in the NYS TrapperTraining manual.)Figure 9Although 220's in a restricted entry cubby canlegally be set on land, it is not always the best choiceas will be mentioned later. Never use a trap larger thannecessary. Smaller, correct size traps are cheaper andlighter to carry (perhaps enabling you to make moresets) and will do a more efficient job of humanely capturing the intended furbearer.To be selective, the next and perhaps the mostimportant consideration for the trapper is how thebodygripping trap is set. As trappers, we need to matchthe size of the trap with the method of deployment tobe the most selective. In some sets, the 220 may be theCredit: NYS Department of Environmental ConservationThe most selective trap for beaver and notmuskrat or otter is the 330 with a trigger as shown inFigure 10.These modified triggers are mandatory on anybodygripping trap larger than 9” any time the otterseason is closed.25

24Trapping in the 21st Centuryheron or an unknown animal has killed and eaten ananimal in your trap. You will usually find signs of“white wash” (bird droppings) and sometimes tracks, afeather, or just the lack of any furbearer sign.Birds sometimes attempt to dust on traps covered withsifted soil especially in pastures and sodded areas.There are several things you can do to eliminate thisproblem. Tighten the pan tension, don't sift such finesoil over the set, cover the set with a layer of siftedgrass, make a better dusti

2 Trapping in the 21st Century Dear Reader: cknowledgments:Trappers in New York have a long and proud heritage.After all, New York State was explored and settled largely due to the fur trade. New York State has an abundance of furb earing animals whos e populations are