By The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
posted
Oct 18, 2012
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds trappers and
non-trappers alike that the 2012 trapping season is just around the
corner.
As autumn weather settles in over the state, Vermonters once
again anticipate the annual showing of blaze orange as hunters take
to the fields and forests in pursuit of their desired game. This
time honored tradition yields many benefits to those who chose to
participate in this annual pilgrimage, not the least of which is an
enduring connection to Vermont's landscape and a strong commitment
to its conservation.
Alongside the more familiar hunters, however, is a less
recognizable group of individuals similarly seeking the benefits of
Vermont's abundant wildlife resources while simultaneously forming
strong ties to the land.
Each year beginning on the fourth Saturday in October, the 27th
this year, Vermont trappers ply their skills and knowledge in an
attempt to harvest some of Vermont's well established furbearer
species. Through a system of heavily regulated seasons,
methods and techniques, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
oversees the harvest of 13 common species of furbearers ranging
from the seldom seen weasel to the very adaptable coyote.
Trappers are required by state law to successfully complete
training which instructs individuals not only on the applicable
rules and regulations, but also on the proper and humane use of
traps. Trappers also are required to secure the permission of
landowners. The act of seeking permission is often an opportunity
for trappers and landowners to exchange valuable information about
Vermont's furbearers and the merits of managing these species as
well as an opportunity for landowners to express concerns and
specific requests.
State owned land is also open to trapping. "These lands,
particularly the state wildlife management areas, were purchased
with funds derived in part from the sale of trapping licenses and
federal taxes levied on trapping supplies," said Wildlife Biologist
Chris Bernier.
"Like hunters, trappers have demonstrated their commitment to
the conservation of our natural resources by contributing to the
purchase and management of these lands which provide the diversity
of habitats and open spaces on which many of these species
depend."
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department closely monitors the
harvest and utilization of furbearers throughout the state. Through
voluntary mail surveys and mandatory carcass collections of select
species, trappers annually provide the department with the baseline
information required to understand and conserve these furbearer
populations.
"Skilled, licensed trappers offer us the best opportunity for
effectively managing many of these species, and they provide us
with some of the most valuable information we have about these
animals," said Bernier.
