Trapping in Manitoba

Trapper Responsibilities

Trapping is a privilege - not a right. Maintaining public acceptance of trapping as a legitimate job is the responsibility of trappers and resource managers. The trapper's responsibilities include the following:

• Take furbearers in the most humane manner.
• Avoid capturing non-furbearing animals.
• Maintain a high degree of proficiency in pelt preparation.
• Use a kill-type trap to harvest marten,weasel, mink and muskrat when taken on land.Kill-type sets for otter and beaver should be fully submerged.When a squirrel is harvested, other than by snaring or shooting, a kill-type trap should be used.
• Use underwater sets wherever possible for aquatic species. Proper locks and slide wires set in a sufficient depth of water should be used on all hold and drown-type shore sets.
• Ensure that padded leghold traps set on land are secured to a drag of sufficient weight and strength.
• Ensure that snares set on land are equipped with proper locking devices.
• Inspect live-holding devices daily in the early morning. Make only as many sets as you can effectively manage.
• Identify trap and snare "set locations"and carefully record them on a map.
• When trapping on private land, always ask permission and provide the landowner with a map showing the location and the types of traps and snares used.
• Know and use proper releasing and killing methods.
• Dispose of animal carcasses properly.
• Respect the rights and property of others and assist landowners with removal of problem wildlife.
• Encourage and support trapper education and public-awareness programs.
• Promptly report the presence of diseased animals to the nearest department office.
• Protect and conserve wildlife and its habitat.
• Respect and obey laws.