By now, seasoned trappers and new steel setters alike ought to be familiar with trapping best management practices (BMPs). Initiated in the early 1990s in response to Europe’s ban on importing North American fur, the BMP program was created out of an agreement with Europe to develop safer, more humane, and more effective trapping methods. Led by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), BMPs have been developed and continue through an extensive study with efforts targeted at improving regulated trapping. Designed to scientifically evaluate various traps and trapping methods, the primary goal of the program is to educate and inform trappers, researchers, wildlife managers, and the general public about the most humane, safe, selective, efficient, and practical traps and trapping methods to use when taking furbearers.
To arrive at these recommendations, the BMP studies consist of collaborations between wildlife managers, researchers, statisticians, veterinarians, and experienced trappers across the United States and Canada. Technicians work with trappers directly in the field and on the trapline to collect data and information about specific
