Best Management Practices

for Trapping in the United States

INTRODUCTION
The Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies (AFWA),
Acknowledgements
formerly the International Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Trapping in the United States was written by
Association of Fish and the Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group of the Association of Fish & Wildlife
Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA), Agencies. Development of this document would not have been possible without the
was founded in 1902. It is an cooperation and participation of many state wildlife agencies, expert trappers and
organization of public agencies trapper organizations. State agency personnel provided on-the-ground coordination
and supervision in those states where BMP trap testing occurred, and many agency
charged with the protection
staff members provided constructive comments on earlier drafts of this document. We
and management of North thank the wildlife veterinarians at the University of Georgia, the University of Wyoming
America’s fish and wildlife and Wildlife Health Associates who completed evaluations of captured animals.
resources. The 50 state fish and
wildlife agencies, as well as We thank the members of trapper associations, individual trappers and technicians
provincial and territorial who took part in field-testing that supported the development of these BMPs. Their hard
governments in Canada, are work and commitment to the continued improvement of trapping in the United States
was an essential contribution to the success of this project. We also appreciate the
members. Federal natural
involvement of the National Trappers Association from the inception of the BMP
resource agencies in Canada process and would like to acknowledge their continuing assistance and support.
and the United States are also
members. The Association We are indebted to the Fur Institute of Canada (FIC) for providing valuable information on
has been a key organization the animal welfare of furbearers captured in bodygrip traps and the mechanical attributes
in promoting sound resource of both bodygrip and foothold traps. Their research has provided the information needed
management and strengthening for inclusion of many important trapping devices in the respective BMPs and would
have been practically impossible to obtain otherwise.
state, provincial, federal,
and private cooperation in
We also extend our appreciation to the many cooperating landowners who permitted
protecting and managing BMP trap testing to be conducted on their property. They have made a significant
fish and wildlife and their contribution to the future of furbearer management in the United States.
habitats in the public interest.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided funding for trapping BMP research
and development. The International Fur Trade Federation provided additional funding,
and many state agencies made substantial in-kind contributions.

Mission Statement
The Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group is composed of wildlife biologists from
state fish and wildlife agencies throughout the United States. Regional representation is from
the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West and Alaska.

The mission of the Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group of the Association of
Fish & Wildlife Agencies is to maintain the regulated use of trapping as a safe, efficient
and acceptable means of managing and harvesting wildlife for the benefits it provides
to the public, while improving the welfare of trapped animals.

Credits:
Editing and Design-
Devaney & Associates, Inc.
Illustrations-Joe Goodman and
Natalene Cummings
Copyright AFWA 2006
2
Document may be
photocopied. Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
 BMPs are intended to inform
Introduction people about traps and trapping
The purpose of the BMP process is to scientifically evaluate the traps and trapping systems considered to be state
systems used for capturing furbearers in the United States. Evaluations are based on of the art in animal welfare and
animal welfare, efficiency, selectivity, practicality and safety. Results of this research efficiency. Through the use of
are provided as information to state and federal wildlife agencies and trappers. BMP guidelines, trappers can
continue to play an important
The goals of this document are: role in furbearer management
• To promote regulated trapping as a modern wildlife management tool programs across the United
• To identify practical traps and trapping techniques that continue to improve efficiency
States.
selectivity, and the welfare of trapped animals
• To provide specifications for traps that meet BMP criteria for individual species in
various regions of the United States
• To provide wildlife management professionals with information to evaluate trapping
systems in the United States
• To instill public confidence in and maintain public support for wildlife management
and trapping through distribution of science-based information

BMPs serve as a reference guide to wildlife management agencies, conservation organiza-

tions, tribal nations, researchers, trapper organizations, individual trappers and others
interested in the continued improvement of traps and trapping systems.

Benefits of Trapping
Trapping is a highly regulated activity. Anyone who traps must follow strict rules
established and enforced by state fish and wildlife agencies. Restrictions on species
that may be harvested, harvest seasons, trap types, trapping methods and areas open
to trapping are some examples of the guidelines and regulations that state agencies
regularly review, implement and enforce.

Trapping is an element of many wildlife management programs. In some cases, local

populations of furbearers are controlled, thereby helping to minimize human-wildlife
conflicts and mitigate habitat changes brought about by certain furbearer species.
Similarly, trapping contributes to the protection of threatened and endangered species
by controlling predators. Trapping also is used to relocate animals to and restore
populations in areas where conditions are suitable for the species to thrive.

Scientists collect important ecological information about wildlife through the use of
trapping. Preferred habitats, migration patterns and population indices for some species
of wildlife are determined through mark and recapture programs and by monitoring
regulated harvest levels. In addition, trapping can help reduce the exposure of humans
and pets to rabies and other diseases. Trapping is widely recognized by the wildlife
conservation community as a beneficial outdoor activity, providing food, clothing, cos-
metic items, artists’ supplies and other products.

3 INTRODUCTION
Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States
BMPs are based on the most
extensive study of animal traps Best Management Practices
ever conducted in the United
States. Test traps were selected Wildlife professionals, trappers and trapper associations historically have worked
based on knowledge of com- to improve trapping. Most of the advancements used today come from the efforts of
trappers. Wildlife agencies have a long history of regulating trapping to assure that
monly used traps, previous
the traps and trapping systems being used are the best available. State fish and wildlife
research findings and input from agencies must continue to take a lead role by establishing a practical and effective plan
expert trappers. Statisticians for the improvement of trapping systems in order to maintain trapping as a valuable
from universities and federal wildlife management practice.
and state agencies developed
rigorous study designs. The BMP framework provides a structure and criteria for identifying and documenting
Experienced wildlife biologists trapping methods and equipment that will continue to improve trapping. The trapping
BMP project is intended to provide wildlife management professionals in the United
and trappers developed study
States with the data necessary to ensure improved animal welfare in trapping programs.
procedures, supervised or Trapping BMPs are based on scientific research and professional experience regarding
participated in field research currently available traps and trapping technology. Trapping BMPs identify both techniques
and provided insight and expert and traps that address the welfare of trapped animals and allow for the efficient, selective,
technical advice on trapping safe and practical capture of furbearers.
methods to ensure the completion
of each project. Data collection, Trapping BMPs are intended to be a practical tool for trappers, wildlife biologists,
wildlife agencies and anyone interested in improved traps and trapping systems. BMPs
including safety evaluations,
include technical recommendations from expert trappers and biologists and a list of
was undertaken following specifications of traps that meet or exceed BMP criteria. BMPs provide options, allowing
widely accepted international for discretion and decision making in the field when trapping furbearers in various
standards for testing traps regions of the United States. They do not present a single choice that can or must be
specified in the International applied in all cases. The suggestions contained in this document include practices,
Organization for equipment and techniques that will continue to ensure the welfare of trapped animals,
avoid unintended captures of other animals, improve public confidence in trappers and
Standardization (ISO) wildlife managers, and maintain public support for trapping and wildlife management.
Documents 10990-4 and
10990-5. Wildlife biologists Trapping BMPs are recommendations to be implemented in a voluntary and educational
and statisticians assisted in approach. The trapping BMPs are the product of ongoing work that may be updated
data analysis and interpretation as additional traps are identified in the future. BMPs are intended to compliment and
during the development of enhance trapper education programs. It is recommended that all trappers participate in
this document. a trapper education course. Trapping BMPs provide additional technical and practical
information to help trappers and managers identify and select the best traps available
for a given species and provide an overview of methods for proper use.
Although many details of trap
testing procedures and results
are available in other docu- Criteria for Evaluation of Trapping Devices
ments, some understanding of
the procedures is important and For the purpose of developing trapping BMPs, thresholds were established by the
Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group of AFWA for several trap performance
can be gained by reading this criteria. These thresholds were derived from reference standards annexed to the 1997
document. understanding reached between the United States of America and the European
Community and with input from wildlife biologists and wildlife veterinarians involved
in this effort. These thresholds provide a common framework for evaluating progress
toward the use of more humane traps and trapping methods. Assessments of injury
were undertaken in the furtherance of such common framework.

INTRODUCTION 4
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Restraining Devices
All types of traps used on land to hold live animals were evaluated using five performance Traps were selected for testing
criteria: animal welfare, efficiency, selectivity, practicality and safety. Live restraining based on their relative use
devices included cage traps; foothold traps; enclosed foothold devices, such as the EGG among trappers surveyed by
trap™; and powered and non-powered cable devices, including modified designs like
the Belisle™ foot snare.
IAFWA (now AFWA) in 1992
and 2004 and in consultation
Animal Welfare with wildlife biologists and
Trauma scales used to determine a level of animal welfare performance for restraining expert trappers. Commonly used
traps are presented as guidelines in ISO (International Organization for Standardization) trap models and modifications
Document 10990-5. One scale allocates points to specific injuries, including a zero score and new, readily available designs
for uninjured animals. The other scale groups specific injuries into classes ranging from
none to severe. A combination of both systems was used in this evaluation process.
that may improve animal welfare
The primary species captured in traps that meet BMP performance criteria must have were given priority for testing.
an average cumulative score of 55 points or less according to one scale. According Experienced local trappers tested
to the other scale, 70% or more of those in the sample must have no injuries or only traps during regulated trapping
have trauma described as mild or moderate. seasons using daily trap checks to
provide for consistent, repeatable
Efficiency
and reliable data for the most
Traps meeting BMP criteria must be able to capture and hold at least 60% of the
primary species of interest that activate the trap. An activated trap is one that has accurate analysis possible.
been sprung. An activated cable device is one that has the cable loop closed. Technicians accompanied trappers
and recorded data. Teams
Efficiency = Number of primary species captured worked under field conditions
>60%
Number of activations by primary species throughout the United States
during regulated trapping seasons.
Selectivity Wildlife veterinary pathologists
Traps should be set and used in a fashion that limits the risk of capturing non-furbearers, examined captured animals for
including domestic animals, while increasing the chances of capturing desired furbearer
species. Data concerning selectivity were collected in field studies and used to identify
trap-related injuries using full-
those traps that have features that influence selectivity. These features and any special body necropsies following
considerations are provided in the Mechanical Description and Attributes section for international trap testing
each BMP-designated trap. guidelines. A minimum of 20
specimens were examined for
Practicality each trap evaluated.
Traps should be practical for use in the field under trapline conditions. After a particular
BMP trap test, each trapper was asked for information regarding practicality. These
comments were then reviewed to detect any traps with consistently poor scores. In
addition, a panel of experienced trappers and wildlife biologists evaluated each trap
and considered the following:
• Cost of initial purchase and maintenance
• Replacement of parts, ease in setting and resetting
• Ease of transport and storage
• Weight and dimensions
• Reliability
• Versatility
• Expected usable life span
• Need for specialized training prior to use

Any special considerations are described in the Mechanical Description and Attributes
section for each BMP designated trap.

5 INTRODUCTION
Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States
The development of trapping Safety
BMPs is an ongoing work that Traps should not present a significant risk to the user, and if necessary, should have appro-
is flexible and adaptable as priate safety features, safety tools, or a combination of the two that can be used easily
under normal trapline conditions. Each trapper testing traps for the BMP project was asked
existing trap models are
to judge whether tested traps posed an unreasonable risk to the user or others who might
improved and additional come into contact with the trap. A panel of experienced trappers and wildlife biologists
models are tested. Criteria then evaluated each trap. Safety issues, if any, are described in more detail in the
to identify BMP traps are Mechanical Description and Attributes section for each BMP-designated trap.
standardized. Trap models that
were tested and met these
Mechanically Powered Killing Devices
criteria are included in the
Mechanically powered killing traps, commonly called bodygrip or rotating-jaw traps
BMPs for individual furbearers. (e.g., Conibear™ traps), are designed to kill an animal when two rotating jaws close
on either side of the animal’s neck or chest. Most of the mechanical testing and research
Other commercially available on killing traps has been conducted at the Alberta Research Council facility in Canada.
traps, modified traps, or other Field-testing of killing traps has been conducted throughout the United States. Killing
capture devices not yet tested traps are evaluated with the same five criteria as restraining traps (animal welfare,
efficiency, selectivity, practicality and safety), but killing traps must meet different
may perform as well as or
performance standards for animal welfare and safety.
better than the listed BMP
traps. Recommendations to The animal welfare performance standard for killing traps set on land is that the trap
wildlife agencies, biologists must cause irreversible loss of consciousness in 70% of the sample animals within 300
and trappers may be updated seconds. Killing traps must meet two additional performance standards for safety. First,
as additional devices are a trapper must be able to release him/herself from an accidentally fired trap without
identified in the future. The assistance and second, the forces generated by the trap should not be likely to cause
significant human injury. Performance standards for commonly used killing devices are
listing of specific commercially
comparable to those described for restraining devices.
available BMP traps is not
an endorsement by the
Association of Fish and Submersion Trapping Systems
Wildlife Agencies or that of Submersion trapping systems are frequently used for furbearers that are found in or
any of our member agencies. near waterways. These systems consist of traps, equipment and techniques that allow
or cause furbearers, when trapped, to quickly and irreversibly submerge until death
occurs. Submersion systems can employ bodygrip traps, cage traps, cable devices
or foothold traps of the appropriate size and weight. Traps are either set underwater
at a depth that prevents the captured animal from reaching the surface, or they are set
in shallow water near shore and attached with a one-way sliding lock to a cable
anchored in deep water.

The animal welfare performance standard for submersion trapping systems is that the
equipment must prevent the animal from surfacing once it has submerged. Performance
standards for submersion trapping systems are comparable to those used for restraining
and killing devices.

INTRODUCTION 6
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Capture Devices
Foothold Traps
Longspring and coil-spring traps (Figures 1a and 1b) are the most commonly used trap
types, as they can be used in a myriad of set types on land and in water. The basic
design of foothold traps has two jaws attached to a baseplate with a pan-trigger
device. Longspring traps are powered by either one or two springs while the standard
coil-spring trap is fitted with two small springs. Many modifications can be made to
Figure 2. Enclosed foothold trap
affect the performance of these traps, as described in the next section. Some coil-spring
traps are designed to encapsulate the animal’s foot, and some have a bar trigger that
is either pulled or pushed for activation. These foot-encapsulating traps (Figure 2) are
highly species selective by design.

Figure 3a. 7 x 7 and 7 x 19

Cable strands

Figure 1a. Longspring trap Figure 1b. Coil-spring trap

Cable Devices Figure 3b. 1 x 19 Single-strand

A cable device is made of stranded steel cable set in a manner so that a loop of cable cable
encircles the animal’s body or limb. Like foothold traps, they can be used in a variety Each region of the country may
of set types on land and in water. Modern cable devices are made from stranded steel
cable. Various sizes are used, three examples of which are: the 7 x 7 design that has
have conditions that affect
7 bundles of 7 wires each, the 7 x 19 design that has 7 bundles of 19 wires each trapping, and BMPs are
(Figure 3a), and the 1 x 19 single-strand design that consists of 7 wires (twisted right) developed with this in mind.
wrapped by 12 wires (twisted left) (Figure 3b). These cable types can be used effectively An example is the difference in
as cable devices. coyotes (i.e. behavior, size, habi-
tat and management programs
A non-powered cable device uses the forward movement of the animal to place and across the U.S.), resulting in
close the loop on its body or limb. The powered cable device uses a mechanical
feature, such as a spring, to place or close the loop of the cable on an animal’s body
two coyote BMPs (Eastern and
or limb. An example of a powered cable device is the coil-spring activated Belisle™ Western). Both trappers and
Foot Snare (Figure 4a), which employs a foothold-like pan system to activate springs governmental agencies are
that throw a cable around the animal’s foot. encouraged to use BMP traps
that are best suited for their
purposes. All trappers should
consult state trapping
regulations to be sure the
devices and techniques
recommended in the BMPs
are permitted in their state.

7 INTRODUCTION
Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States
Figure 4a. Belisle foot snare Figure 4b. Non-powered cable device components

Cable devices can be designed in several ways and may have one or more of the
following components: relaxing lock; break-away J-hook S-hook, or ferrule; stabilizer
tubing; loop stop ferrule, in-line swivel; and/or anchor swivel (Figure 4b). Relaxing
locks allow the loop of the cable device to draw smaller as the animal pulls against it
but does not continue to close when the animal stops pulling (Figure 4c). Many types
of relaxing locks are available. Ferrules are used for several purposes, such as to hold
the lock or swivel on the cable or as a breakaway device. Ferrules can be made from
many materials, including a steel nut, wire or aluminum cylinders. Break-away devices
Figure 4c. Relaxing lock (example) are components that allow an animal to escape from the cable device if it pulls against
it with sufficient force (Figure 4d). Ferrules and J-hooks are two examples of breakaway
devices. Loop stops may be made from heavy gauge wire, steel nuts or crimped ferrules
and may be used to maintain the cable loop at a minimum or maximum diameter, or
both (Figure 4b). The maximum loop stop prevents larger animals from entering the
cable loop, while the minimum loop prevents the cable loop from closing around an
animal’s foot.

Bodygrip Traps
Bodygrip traps (Figure 5) are designed to kill an animal quickly when one or two rotating
jaws strike the animal’s neck or chest. These traps may be powered by one or two springs.
Figure 4d. Typical break-away Bodygrip traps operate in a manner similar to the common mouse trap.

Cage or Box Trapping Systems

A cage trap or box trap is designed in such a manner that the animal enters the trap
through a door that closes, preventing the animal from exiting (Figure 6). These traps
can be used for multiple species, limited by the door size and length. They are difficult
to conceal and may be avoided by some animals. Some of these traps can be used to
transport animals where permitted by law.

Figure 5. Standard bodygrip trap

INTRODUCTION 8

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Components of Foothold Trap
and Cable Device Systems
Swivels
Proper swiveling is the key to preventing the chain or cable of an anchoring system
from binding at the stake, drag or grapple. This is important because it minimizes
injury to the captured animal, reduces fur damage and may prevent cable breakage.
On a foothold trap, the anchoring system should be attached with a swivel to the center Figure 6. Cage trap
of the base plate of the trap. The anchoring system of most restraining devices should
include one or more swivels along the length of the anchoring system, including one at
the anchor point. At least two or more swivels are recommended along the anchoring
system of a foothold trap (Figure 7a). For cable device systems, at least one swivel at
the anchor point and one in-line swivel along the cable are recommended (Figure 7b).

Trap Anchoring Systems

The anchoring system should always be strong enough to hold the largest furbearer
that might be captured. When stakes are used to anchor traps, they must be of
sufficient length to prevent the captured animal from pulling the stake. If there is doubt
that a stake will hold (e.g. in sandy soils), use two stakes with a cross-staking method Figure 7a. Foothold trap
to ensure the stakes will not move after the catch (Figure 8). Cable stakes are also
effective. Drags or grapples may be used effectively in some terrain and may also
allow the captured animal to find cover. Similarly, when using a submersion system,
the chain length must be short enough and the terminal end of the anchoring system
deep enough to keep the animal underwater.

The use of in-line shock springs on anchoring systems, whether they are stakes or drags,
may reduce injury and/or prevent escape (Figure 9). Shock springs should be of high
quality and adequate strength to resist a captured animal’s ability to destroy the spring.
By cushioning lunges of a captured animal, shock springs may minimize the chance of Figure 7b. Cable device
cuts and joint injuries. This cushioning action may also decrease “stake pumping,” swivel system
reducing the chances that the captured animal will escape.

Foothold Trap Modifications

Several BMP traps are conventional models that have been modified. Examples of mo-
difications include: laminating and/or offsetting the jaws, adding extra coil spring, using
pan-stops or reinforcing the base plate. Most trap manufacturers and suppliers now offer
modified traps or will modify traps upon request. Trappers also can modify their own traps
to replicate the BMP trap models in this document. In any case, sturdy materials should be
used to ensure durability in the field. Figure 8. Cross-staking

Figure 9. In-line shock spring

9 INTRODUCTION
Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States
 Offset Jaws
Offset jaws contain a space between the gripping surfaces on the closed jaws of a
foothold trap. Typically, the offset ranges from 1/8 to 1/4 inch (Figure 10). Offset jaw
models allow spring levers on coil-spring traps and spring eyes on longspring traps to
close higher upon capture, thereby reducing the chance that the captured animal will
escape. In addition, clamping pressure is slightly reduced when levers are fully raised
which may improve animal welfare under some conditions.

Double Jaws
Figure 10. Offset jaws
Using a foothold trap with a double jaw configuration improves animal welfare for
some species. The double jaw configuration decreases the distance between the jaw
and trap pan, limiting access to the restrained foot. Single jaw traps of the appropriate
size can be modified to this configuration by adding a second jaw below the primary
jaw (Figure 11).

Lamination and Padding

Expanding the trap jaw thickness with lamination or the addition of rubber pads will
increase the surface area of the jaw on a trapped animal’s foot and may influence both
animal injury and capture efficiency. Lamination may be attached above and/or below
the trap jaws, to expand the jaw thickness by welding on an additional strip of metal
Figure 11. Double jaws
rod (Figure 12). Lamination typically is an after-market addition, though some trap
suppliers provide this service. Padded traps are usually prefabricated. Replacement or
repair of rubber pads is periodically required, especially after captures (Figure 13).

Additional Springs
Sufficient trap strength is needed to hold an animal by the foot. Some coil-spring
traps may perform better with the addition of two extra coil springs, commonly
referred to as “four-coiling.” Four-coiling also makes the trap more stable when
bedded. Recommended spring wire diameters are provided in the Mechanical
Description and Attributes section for each trap meeting BMP criteria (Figure 14).
Figure 12. Laminated jaws
Pan Stops
The use of a pan stop assembly decreases the distance between the trap jaw and pan
after the trap is sprung, limiting access to the restrained foot and reducing the chance
of injury (Figures 15a and 15b). Pan stops also prevent the animal from stepping too
far into the trap, ensuring optimal jaw placement on the restrained foot.

Reinforced Base Plates

Trap base plates can be reinforced by welding a piece of flat steel to the bottom of
the trap frame, thereby strengthening the trap frame and preventing it from bending.
The reinforcement plate also can be used as a point of attachment for center swiveling.
Figure 13. Padded jaws

Figure 14. Additional springs

(four coiling)

INTRODUCTION 10
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Trap Tuning, Preparation and Maintenance
Inspection of Foothold Traps
Most new traps require some minor adjustments to operate correctly. New traps may
have sharp edges or burrs that must be removed to avoid injuries to the trapped animal.
The upper and lower corners of jaw faces should be filed to remove sharp, squared
edges. On offset jaw models, jaw contact points also should be rounded as necessary,
though not so much as to reduce the width of the offset. Similarly, used traps and attach-
ments should be inspected for wear before each season (Figure 16). Figure 15a. Pan stop, set position
• Weak coil springs should be replaced
• Trap components, such as swivels, J-hooks, and S-hooks, must be of sufficient
strength, must operate freely without binding, and must not be damaged
• J-hooks should be welded shut when trapping large, strong animals such as coyotes
• Sharp edges on jaws or any part of the trap should be smoothed with a file

Leveling Trap Pans

A level pan is important because it optimizes the angle of capture of the animal’s foot.
When the trap is set, the trap pan should be level with the jaws. If the pan rests too
high or too low, it should be adjusted (Figure 17).
Figure 15b. Pan stop, closed position

Short Pan Throw

The amount of space where the trap dog (trigger) fits into the pan notch determines how
far the trap pan must drop before the trap activates (Figure 18). A file can be used to
“square” the trigger slot and the end of the dog to produce a short pan throw and crisp
action. A short pan throw, used in conjunction with the correct pan tension for the target
species, will result in desired capture positions on the animal’s foot.

Inspection of Cable Devices

Cable devices and all components should be inspected before use for kinks or other
imperfections that may keep them from closing smoothly. After capturing an animal, Figure 16. Trap components
discard the used cable and inspect the other parts of the cable device for damage or
weakening before using them again.

Treating and Handling Traps and Cable Devices

New foothold traps, bodygrip traps, and cable devices are often coated with oil that
must be removed before use. A good method to remove the oil is to boil the devices in
water mixed with baking soda (for cable devices), or mixed with detergent (for traps).
This process will dull the finish, remove unnatural odors, and allow traps to begin forming
a light coat of rust. Rusted traps can then be dyed and waxed, with the exception of
bodygrip traps and cable devices, which should never be waxed. Some trappers also Figure 17. Level pan
boil cable in water a second time with logwood crystals or other plant materials to
darken the wire and add some natural scent. Cage or box traps are sometimes spray
painted to help with concealment. After treatment, handle cable and traps with gloves
that are free of scent and store them in a dry place where no unnatural odors will be
absorbed. Many techniques for treating traps and cable are available and are best
learned from trapper education materials or experienced trappers.

Figure 18. Short pan throw

11 INTRODUCTION
Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States
 Trapping Techniques
Using the correct size and type of restraining trap is essential to achieving a high level
of efficiency and minimizing the risk of injuring the captured animal. How an individual
trapper chooses to use a trap also is critical. Likewise, the correct size and type of bodygrip
trap or cable device will allow for efficient capture while meeting animal welfare criteria.

Figure 19. Pan tension Presented here are techniques and practices recommended by experienced trappers
measuring device and wildlife biologists that provide for improved animal welfare, selectivity, efficiency
and user safety. These suggestions may be familiar to some but new to others.

All trappers are strongly encouraged to use as many of these techniques as practical.
More detailed information on recommended techniques is available through various
trapper education manuals, manufacturer’s documents, instructional videos and trade
publications.

Set Location for Traps

Careful choice of trap location can influence animal welfare, efficiency and selectivity
of trap sets. Trappers should choose set locations that:
Figure 20a. Bodygrip, blind trail set
• Prevent entanglement with fences or other objects that might result in injury
• Minimize the chance that objects or debris will prevent swivels from functioning properly
• Minimize the capture of non-furbearers
• Minimize the captured animal’s exposure to domestic animals and human activities
(e.g. avoid trails used by people)

Lure, Bait and Attractants

Careful placement and selection of baits, lures, and other attractants can greatly
increase capture efficiency and selectivity. Certain baits or lures (e.g. meat-based
attractants) may be more attractive to pets and hunting dogs and should be used
Figure 20b. Bodygrip, cubby set cautiously.
with restricted entry

Many states prohibit setting traps near large carcasses, or using exposed baits or fur
or feather attractants. Be sure to comply with state regulations concerning the use of
baits and attractants. Consult trapper education materials to learn how to use baits,
lures, and attractants to improve the selectivity and efficiency of your sets.

Proper Pan/Treadle Tension – Foothold and Cage Traps

Pan tension influences trap selectivity. Most new traps have pan tension bolts and those
that do not can typically be fitted with commercially available or homemade pan tension
devices. Pan tension can be adjusted so certain weights are required to depress the
Figure 20c. Bodygrip, pole set
pan and trigger the trap, thereby affecting trap selectivity. The pan likely will need
readjustment after each capture. Devices for measuring pan tension are commercially
available or may be easily constructed (Figure 19). To test pan tension with the type
of device shown in Figure 19, the proper amount/weight of material (sand, water, etc.)
should be added to the jug to depress the pan at the desired pan tension weight
(e.g. 2 pounds., 4 pounds., etc.). Recommendations for appropriate pan-tension are
given in the species chapters.

INTRODUCTION 12
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Bodygrip Trap Considerations
Different species have different shapes and behaviors that influence how they approach
bodygrip traps. Trigger systems on bodygrip traps can be configured to improve trap
efficiency and animal welfare (time to irreversible unconsciousness) by affecting strike locations.
The selectivity of bodygrip traps also can be impacted by trigger configurations, as the shape
and location of the trigger can be modified to avoid certain species while capturing others.

Bodygrip traps on land are sometimes used in blind trail sets (Figure 20a) or in conjunction
with cubbies (Figure 20b) or in above-ground sets (Figure 20c) to avoid capture of certain
Figure 21. Restraint circle
species either because of species size or behavior. Further, many states prohibit setting
bodygrip traps on land unless they are used in conjunction with one or more of these tech-
niques. Be sure to comply with state regulations concerning the use of these traps. Consult
trapper education material to learn how to use cubbies and trap placement to improve the
selectivity and efficiency of your sets.

Avoiding Entanglements
Foothold traps and cable devices when staked should be set so the captured animal
cannot entangle the anchoring system in any object. These devices should not be set
near fences or farm equipment. Trap sites should be cleared of all objects (e.g. rocks,
logs, and rooted, woody stems) that could be reached by the captured animal and Figure 22. Spring latches
become entangled in the anchoring chain or cable. This usually means some clearing
work with pruning shears, a hatchet, or a saw. The area that needs to be free of
entangling objects depends on the size of the target animal and the length of the
anchoring system (Figure 21). If the trap anchoring system becomes entangled with
objects at the set, the swiveling system may become inoperable.

Trap Safety
Restraining foothold devices have excellent safety records, but as with any tools,
precautions should be taken in handling them. Use of available safety equipment, such
as gloves and safety glasses, should be considered while setting traps.
Figure 23. Bodygrip safety gripper
Personal safety is more of an issue when handling bodygrip traps, especially the larger sizes.
Bodygrip traps must close with considerable force to meet animal welfare performance stan-
dards. Trappers should be familiar with the safe and efficient use of bodygrip traps. We
recommend the use of spring latches (Figure 22) on both springs and a safety gripper on
trap jaws (Figure 23) when setting bodygrip traps. Most bodygrip traps are equipped
with spring latches, and these should be engaged when the springs are compressed. A
variety of safety locks are available for the jaws, and one should be attached when the
jaws are moved to the set position. These safety devices protect the trapper and make it
easier to position and anchor the trap. Safety devices should be disengaged only when
the set is completed. It is also recommended that trappers carry one of the commonly
available setting tools to help free oneself if accidentally caught.

Checking and removing the set should always be done carefully. Spring the trap or
engage the safety latches before removing sets. Never reach under the ice to check
bodygrip traps, particularly if the hole in the ice is too small to pull the trap through.
Never use your hands or feet to locate a bodygrip trap that is underwater, under ice
or out of sight.

Releasing or Dispatching Captured Animals

Restraining devices give trappers the option of either releasing or dispatching captured
animals. A capture pole is one of several tools that a trapper can use to release animals.
Using these devices, animals can be safely released from restraining traps. Techniques
for release and dispatch are best learned from a trapper education program or from
experienced trappers.

13 INTRODUCTION
Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States