Humane Trapping

. . . Now by no means am I an animal rights activist, or an anti hunter or trapper. In fact I hunt myself and do not have anything against trappers. The only thing is that I value a quick humane kill, which is not always possible, but a value of mine nonetheless. I figure that Mr. Miskosky or any trapper that visits the board might be able to give me some thoughts on trapping and what can be done to make the trapped animals death as humane as possible.

Thanks, Shrubs

Shrubs,

I have to assume that the traps you used were the old steel-jawed leghold trap. These traps were banned for use on all species of animals except for bobcat, coyote, lynx, racoon and wolf some time ago. This year, they have been banned entirely. If a leghold trap is to be used it must be of the rubber soft-catch type (I've watched trappers stick their hands in these traps with no pain whatsoever) or defined (and used) as a killing or drowning device.

As well, traps that are not designed as killing devices must be checked every 24 hours by resident trappers and every 48 hours by registered trappers.

There is a trap testing facility in Vegreville studying traps on a continuous basis to ensure no suffering is endured by the animal being trapped. Canada is a leader in this department.

I haven't got a single leghold trap. This is not to say I wouldn't use one, but just that I don't find the need for one. All of my traps are killing devices. I've witnessed a 330 conibear connecting with a beaver and believe me, it's over in seconds. This holds true for your smaller furbearers as well. For coyotes I use killing snares and still have to check these snares every 24 hours.

Hope this helps,
Rob