Trapping in North Carolina

Regulated trapping is an integral component of wildlife conservation programs, as it controls abundant wildlife, removes nuisance animals, aids in restoring native species, and protects habitat, property and threatened and endangered species. 

Furbearer Management

Regulated trapping is the key tool used by the NCWRC to proactively manage furbearer populations so that they are in balance with people, threatened and endangered species, and the available habitat.  Advancements in trap design and trapping techniques have contributed to the improvement in the welfare of the captured animal. In fact, the modern traps used by today’s trappers are the same traps used by biologists to study wildlife. For example, foothold traps were used to capture river otters for restoration efforts in North Carolina.

Funding for furbearer management comes from hunting and trapping license revenues and the federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. Most furbearer management is not funded with general tax dollars, yet furbearer management benefits all citizens.

Trapping and Furbearer Management in North American Wildlife Conservation

Trapping and Furbearer Management in North American Wildlife Conservation is a compilation of the knowledge, insights and experiences of professional wildlife biologists who are responsible for the conservation of wildlife resources throughout the United States and Canada. It is based on the original Trapping and Furbearer Management: Perspectives from the Northeast published in 1996 by the Northeast Furbearer Resources Technical Committee.

The Wildlife Society’s Position Statement on Traps, Trapping, and Furbearer Management

Internationally accepted principles of natural resources conservation stipulate that resource management activities must maintain essential ecological processes, preserve genetic diversity, and ensure continued existence of species and ecosystems. Regulated trapping in North America is consistent with all three criteria and is a versatile, safe, effective, and ecologically sound method of harvesting and managing furbearers.