Engaging the Public in Sustaining Tools

of Modern Wildlife Management

Colleen OlfenbuttelNorth Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Trapping and the Model

• Wildlife is owned and valued by the public• Held in trust by the government

• Model relies on:• Public support of conservation programs

• Trapping’s integral role in wildlife mgt.

Images of Trapping

Trapping and the Model

• Wide-ranging views towards trapping

Northeast Region:• 51% approve of trapping• 35% disapprove• 14% unsure

Trapping and Wildlife Management

• Species Restoration:• Otters• Snowshoe Hares• Fishers

Trapping and Wildlife Management

• Species Protection:• Shorebirds

• Maine Coastal Island NWR• Rachel Carson NWR• Monomoy NWR

• Sea Turtles

Trapping and Wildlife Management• Research:

• Pine martins• Canada Lynx• Red Wolves in Region 4• Gray wolves in Region 3 & 6

Trapping and Wildlife Management

• Habitat Management:• Nutria on Blackwater NWR

Trapping and the Model

• Wildlife is owned and valued by the public• Held in trust by the government

• Model relies on:• Public support of conservation programs

• Public does not view wildlife as “pests”

Trapping and Wildlife Management

• Resolve Human-Wildlife Conflicts• Protection of property • Protection of public health and safety

• Case Study: Massachusetts

+86%+72%

+22%

020406080

100

BOH CC DPW

Agency

Per

cent

age

(%)

Where trapping restricted:Increased Illegal Activity

Best Management Practices (BMPs)for Trapping

• Improve the image of trapping:• Enhance the public’s awareness and understanding of

modern trapping.• Promote regulated trapping as a modern wildlife

management tool.• Improve trapping:

• Efficiency, selectivity, & the welfare of trapped animals.• Sustain regulated trapping as a wildlife

management technique.

What are BMPs?

• Scientifically evaluate the traps and trapping systems.

• Evaluations are based on:• Animal welfare• Efficiency• Selectivity• Practicality• Safety

• Recommendations based on evaluation• Species specific

Who is involved w/BMP research?• Assn. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

• State agencies

• U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)

• International Fur Trade Federation

• Fur Institute of Canada

• National Trappers Assn.

• State trapper assns.

• Wildlife veterinarians

BMP Publications17 BMPs released: www.fishwildlife.org, click on Focus Area, then Furbearer Mgt.

• Introduction• Beaver• Bobcat• Fisher• Coyote, Eastern• Fox, Red • Fox, Gray• Mink• Muskrat• Nutria• Opossum• Raccoon• River Otter• Skunk• Weasel

Images of Trapping

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Quick and Painless

No Accidental Captures

Tested for Humaneness

"Regulated"

Trapping Approval

Responsive Management, 2001

Technique:

Trapping and Wildlife Management

• Species Restoration• Species Protection• Research• Habitat Management• Resolve human-wildlife conflict• Trap BMPs

All rely on cooperation ofexperienced trappers!

Questions?