Regulated Trapping
There are a lot of misconceptions about trapping, from the types of traps used, to the impacts on wildlife populations. This brochure addresses many of those concerns to better inform the public.
Guides, Animal Info and Resources
- Successful Furtaking Manual
- Fisher
- Otter Avoidance Techniques
- Removing Your Pet from a Trap
- Mange
- List of Fur Buyers
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
BMP books are provided by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The purpose of the Best Management Practices for Trapping Program 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.
View official BMP page from the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
- Best Practices for State Wildlife Action Plans
- Stewardship Education Best Practices Planning Guide
- Introduction: Trapping in the United States
- Weasel
- Skunk
- Red Fox
- Raccoon
- Otter
- Opossum
- Muskrat
- Mink
- Gray Fox
- Fisher
- Eastern Coyote
- Bobcat
- Beaver
- Canda Lynx
Articles & Publications
The following articles appeared in ON TARGET Magazine, the official publication of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. For more information visit https://www.pfsc.org/.
Trapping Log Sheets
The annual furtaker survey can be challenging to complete. These sheets may prove helpful for trappers that do not keep detailed records. As trappers, it is very important to give our biologists the most accurate data we can provide.
Background Checks
The following are websites that will enable you to complete a background check:
- Keep Kids Safe PA
http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/ - Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History (online request)
https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp - PA Dept. of Human Services clearance (online request)
http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/frndaform/childabusehistoryclearanceforms/index.htm - FBI Criminal history (frnger Prints) for all volunteers not living in the State of Pennsylvania continuously for the past 10 years. Preregistration required and then go to 3M Cogent site:
https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index dpwNew.htm
Additional resources:
- Attitudes Toward Trapping Issues
- Regulated Trapping and Social Media
- Trap Use, Furbearers Trapped, and Trapper Characteristics in the United States in 2015
- Trapping in the 21st Century
- Trapping Regulations Survey
- Find your legislator
