Unit 1 [PDF] - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

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Trapping instructors
passing it on.
Above all, be polite and truthful.
Adventure awaits!
What could you do?
What should you do?
What would you do?
Dan Enloe
Chapter 3 - Responsible Trapping
Trapping Provides Many Benefits to Society
• Trapping can help to keep wildlife from becoming overpopulated.
• Trapping can reduce or prevent damage to crops and other property.
• License fees are used to manage all of Wisconsin’s wildlife.
• Trapping can help to reduce the potential for wildlife diseases.
• Trapping can be an important tool for saving endangered species.
• Trapping provides opportunities for outdoor activity and helps our
society remain connected with our natural resources.
Tips for Being an Effective Advocate
Begin by memorizing the main messages (those in bold). Use them whenever
the opportunity arises. Fill in the supporting messages as you gain experience.
KEY MESSAGES
1) Regulated trapping does not cause wildlife to become threatened or
endangered.
2) Trapping is managed through scientifically-based regulations, strictly
enforced by Wisconsin Conservation Wardens.
3) The Wisconsin DNR continually reviews and develops rules,
regulations, education programs, and capture methods that consider
animal welfare.
4) Regulated trapping provides many benefits to society.
5) Most of the animal can be used - the fur to make clothes and the rest
of the animal for food and other useful products.
Assume a fog, not a brick wall, when it comes to peoples’ attitudes about
trapping. Most will listen if you’re sincere and stick to the facts. You’re hoping
they’ll recognize that trapping is a necessary and appropriate activity that
should be allowed to continue – even if they don’t support it fully. Join local,
state and national trapping organizations to stay informed on improvements and
threats to trapping. Write legislators when the need arises.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Trappers
Association recognizes that regulated fur hunting and trapping is the most versatile,
safe, effective, and efficient tool for capturing individual animals without
impairing the survival of furbearer populations or damaging the environment.
Trapping and hunting provides an outdoor lifestyle for many Wisconsin citizens
through use of an abundant natural resource and provides an effective means
of harvesting, managing and studying furbearers; controlling damage caused
by furbearers; and, at times, reduces the spread of harmful disease. The WDNR
and WTA also recognize that trapping concerns segments of the public who oppose
trapping, the use of trapping devices or consumptive use of animals.
Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 20