stove pipe trap designed to catch more than one animal at a single setting (It is legal to use single catch cage or box traps but not repeating or colony traps.).
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Layout, design and text by: Bob Bluett/ Safety Education Section/ OLE Illinois Department of Natural Resources One Natural Resources Way Springfield, Illinois 62702 Graphic artwork by Joe Goodman (J.G.) is protected by copyright laws ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Financial support for printing and graphic artwork was provided by the Illinois State Furbearer Fund through a project application submitted by the Illinois Trappers Association. We thank hunters and trappers who contributed to the Illinois State Furbearer Fund by purchasing Habitat Stamps. We thank the following organizations for permission to reproduce graphic artwork: Illinois Trappers Association Minnesota Trappers Association Missouri Department of Conservation National Trappers Association North American Fur Association New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Pennsylvania Game Commission We thank the following experts for reviewing a draft of this manual: Bob Aaron , George Hubert, Jr., David Stain , John C. Wilson , Dan Woolard, Neal Graves Printed by authority of the State of Illinois 09/2018
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PREFACE Illinois™ first Trapper Education courses were held in 1981. In 1985, the Trapper Education course was mandated for all first -time trappers under the age of eighteen to be issued a trapping license. The Department of Conservation , in partnership with the Illinois Trapper Association (ITA), began a statewide program of volunteer trapper safety education instructors. This manual will provide you with an introduction to trapping and is intended to provide the information needed to trap furbearers responsibly and ethically. I ndividuals considering trapping must be willing to accept the responsibilities that come with it. This manual is a partnered effort of the ITA and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) . Over the years , volunteers and employees have dedicated many hours towards this program. The result of their knowledge and experiences , plus information from past manuals , have been combined to provide this updated version. Funding for the trapping program comes through a reimbursable grant called the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, popularly kno wn as the Pittman -Robertson Act. The Act was approved by Congress in 1937. Any reference to specific products or manufacturers does not imply endorsement by the associations or agencies involved in the production of this publication. For further information on trapping or safety education programs, contact the IDNR. If you lose the card that certifies your successful completion of a Trapper Educati on course, you may obtain a replacement by going to our website: www.dnr.illinois.gov Safety Education Section Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildli fe Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual ori entation, pregnanc y, or unfavorable discharge from military. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding sources civil rights office and/or the Equal Employme nt Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702 -1271; 217 /785 -0067; TTY 217/782 -9175.
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Illinois Trapper Education Manual Table of Contents Code of Ethics 1 Fur grading terms 61 Trapping laws 6 Use & Disposal of carcasses 63 Types of traps 12 Home tanning 65 Trap maintenance 17 Wildlife management 66 Trap modification 19 Best management practices 67 Basic equipment 21 Brief history of trapping 68 Baits, lures and scents 27 Being an advocate 69 Before the season 28 North American Model of 70 Wildlife Conservation Water sets 29 IDNR policy on trapping 72 Land sets 35 Being an advocate 66 Checking traps 40 IDNR policy on trapping 67 Killing trapped animals 41 Species profiles 74 Fur handling 42 Body -gripping removal 87 Marketing your fur 59 Trap size guide for Illinois 90 Selected references 91
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1 Illinois Trapper Education Manual CODE OF ETHICS Regulated trapping provides many benefits to society. For example, it helps to keep wildlife populations at acceptable levels, reduce s property damage, support s broader conservation programs and obtain s many products for human use. While all of these are good reasons for people to support regulated trapping, its future also depends on their perceptions of you and your actions on the trapline. You can do your par t to insure the future of regulated trapping in Illinois by: Knowing and obeying trapping laws. Assisting in enforcement of trapping laws by reporting violations. Respecting landowners™ property and obtaining permission as required by law. Considering anim al welfare in your choice of capture, release and killing methods. Avoiding waste by caring for fur properly and marketing other useful products. Checking traps daily as required by law, preferably early in the morning. Disposing of carcasses properly. Supporting national, state and local trapping organizations. Assisti ng Illinois™ Trapper Education p rogram by becoming a certified instructor Promoting trapping by communicating its benefits, especially among non -trappers. Avoiding non -target catches. Helpin g landowners to reduce property damage caused by furbearers. Re porting the presence of diseased animals and endangered or threatened species to the proper authorities. Respecting others who participate in outdoor activities. Keeping up -to-date on improvements in trapping equipment and methods. Your success as a trapper is not measured by numbers alone .
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2 Illinois Trapper Education Manual ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY fiKey i ngredients for trappers who care about their sport fl Many people view trapping and use of fur as controversial issues. Much of this controversy stems from misinformation and misunderstanding on both sides. As trappers, we know that our sport is a legitimate use of a natural renewable re source; but we often have trouble putting this in terms that non -trappers can understand or appreciate. Few of us are accomplished public speakers or trained in public relations. Nevertheless, we communicate a message about our sport and about ourselves every time we mention that we are trappers. Demonstrating ethics and responsibility while trapping sends many positive messages that non -trappers understand and appreciate more than any explanation. These values are understood universally and do not requ ire extra time or special training. Yet , they tell people that we are proud to be trappers ; we care about our sport and we care about the resource were using. Maintain Good Landowner Relations Obtaining permission to trap is more than the law. It is an opportunity to earn respect by respecting landowners and their property. Be polite and presentable while asking for permission. If it is granted, take time to make sure you know where the property lines are so that neighbor™s rights are upheld as wel l. Ask the landowner or tenant if they hav e noticed damage or other problems caused by furbearers. Chances are that if you are taking time to ask permiss ion from a landowner , the property has good habitat and high furbearer populations. Asking about dam age will help to reinforce the point that trapping provides a service by re ducing furbearer populations and the problems they can cause. By the same token, do no t promise more than you can deliver. As always, practice common sense and courtesy by leaving gates the way you found them, walking or using a four -wheeler when fields and field roads are too wet to drive, and avoiding sets that might result in non -target catches. fiYou are your brother™s keeper. Your actions reflect either credit or discredit on the thousands of others who run traplines in Illinois and across the nation fl
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4 Illinois Trapper Education Manual Trappers have an obligation to show respectful behavior toward all wildlife. Even in the act of killing an animal, you must show it respect when it is alive and after you have dispatched it. Some Methods for Improving Efficiency, Selectivit y and Humaneness Use pan tension devices to avoid non -target catches . Use extra swivels and ce nter -mounted chains to hold animals and reduce the chance of injuries . Use modern positioning techniques at dirt hole sets to increase selectivity . Use short trap chains for most land sets, especially those targeted for fox and coyote . Use guarded or fistop -lossfl traps for muskrats in shallow water or dry land sets . Use dispatching methods that are quick and humane . Use trap sizes that are app ropriate for the target species. P ad catches are desirable for fox, coyote, raccoon , bobcat, and other s because they cause fewer injuries . Use baits and lures that attract target species but not , other animals . Use cage, box , or species -specific traps near barns, outbui ldings , and other locations where domestic animals may be present . Use common sense in choosing set locations that maximize opportunities to catch target species and minimize opportunities to catch other animals . Use se cure methods of attaching traps. T ailor methods to hold the largest species you may catch . Use traps with padded or laminated jaws where the risk of non -target catches is high . Use discretion when setting body -gripping traps . Use time to your advantage . Do not set more traps than you can handle . Use early morning trap checks . This will reduce th e time an animal is held, reducing its chances of escape, and avoid theft of traps and animals .
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5 Illinois Trapper Education Manual Appreciate Perceptions of Non -trappers Trappers who ac t responsibly and ethically do not have anything to hide. However, they need to appreciate the fact that most people know little or nothing about trapping. Differences in backgrounds, culture , and experiences can cause misinterpretations of your words, deeds , and actions. Keep this in mind when communicating with non -trappers. Put yourself in their place if you want an honest evaluation of how you are portraying your sport. Make an effort to communicate on their level. Above all, remember that high standards of ethics and responsibility form a message that can not be mistaken. Respect the Resource Ethical trappers respect the resource they use. Part of this involves making the most of your catch. Follow proper pelt handling procedures and take pride in your work at all times. Look for secondary markets for carcasses, castoreum , and other by -products . Utilize by -products for baits and lures when possible. If not, dispose of them properly. Wildlife laws are de signed to conserve our fur resources while allowing for respon sible use. Become familiar with and obey all regulations. Report violations to t he Conservation Police. Violators are stealing from trappers and non -trappers alike, as well as giving the sport a bad name. Conclusion You may be the only trapper that many people will ever know. Leave them with a good impression by upholding high stan dards of ethics and responsibility in your words, deeds , and actions. Be proud to be a trapper and a good representative for others who enjoy the sport. fiTrapping™s rewards are great, not only in the harvest of fur, but in the very special satisfactions gained from time spent afield. Accept your share with gratitude and don™t waste a precious gift .fl fiAlways play the game fairly. Your sense of accomplishment and pride in your success will be all the greaterfl Maintain Good Landowner Relations Respect Other Outdoor Enthusiasts Keep Familiar With Improvements in Trapping Equipment and Techniques Appreciate Perceptions of Non -trappers Respect the Resource
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6 Illinois Trapper Education Manual Trapping: Privilege vs. Right In most states, trapping is a privilege available to all citizens who choose to follow regulations and behave responsibly. In Illinois, regulated trapping is a privilege, trappers who violate laws can lose their privilege to trap. If trappers as an overal l group do not behave responsibly, citizens could decide to take away this privilege and stop all trapping. Illegal or unethical behavior is not acceptable. Show respect for wildlife, people, and property. TRAPPING LAWS Trapping is highly regulated. Laws are enforced by specially trained Conservation Police Officers. Laws that pertain to trapping help to: Protect species from becoming endangered . Improve animal welfare . Prevent non -target catches . Limit trapping to times of the year when furs are marketable . and young animals are no longer dependent on their mothers. Monitor harvest levels via mandatory reports . Support habitat conservation and wildlife studies through license sales and other fees . Protect lando wners™ rights and interests by ac quiring permission before setting traps . The IDNR monitors wildlife populations and adjusts season dates and bag limits accordingly. Some of the more permanent trapping regulations are presented in the manual, but they are subject to change. For a copy of the most recent Digest of Hunting and Tr apping Regulations go to: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/HuntingTrappingDigests.aspx LICENSE, STAMP, TRAPPER EDUCATION , AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Trapper Education Mandate No trapping license shall be issued to any person born on or after January 1, 19 98 unless he or she presents evidence that he/she held a trapping license issued by this state or another state in a prior year, or a certification card issu ed by the Department upon successful completion of a trapper education course. Trapping License Any person who traps fur bearing mammals in Illinois must first procure a trapping license from the IDNR . The ONLY EXCEPTION to this rule is: an owner or bonafi de tenant of farmland and his children actually living on the farmland where they trap. If required to purchase a trapping license, you must carry it with you while trapping and present it immediately for inspection by any authorized la w enforcement officer.
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7 Illinois Trapper Education Manual Trapping licenses expire annually on March 31 of each following year . Non -resident trapping licenses are available. Contact the IDNR Office of Systems and Licensing (217/ 782 -2965 ) for details. Youth Trapping License Resident youth a ge 18 and under may trap while supervised by a parent, gran dparent, or guardian who is 21 o r older. Completion of a trapper education course is waived for Resident Youth Licenses. Habitat Stamp Any person who traps fur -bearing mammals in Illinois must fir st secure a State Habitat Stamp from the IDNR . The ONLY EXCEPTIONS to this requirement are for disabled veterans and ex -POW™s. Landowners and bonaf ide tenants who are exempt from license requirements must still purchase a State Habitat Stamp. If you purch ased a n Illinois h abitat stamp for hunting, you do not need to buy a separate one for trapping. One stamp covers both activities, but you must carry it with you while engaged in either one. If carried separately , stamps must be affixed to a license or si gned across the face . Reporting Requirements The IDNR relies on surveys of licensed trappers to estimate harvest levels and harvest effort for legal species. We also ask for your input on local furbearer populations, observations of uncommon species , and issues like season dates and trapping equipment. We use a sample of licensed trappers (generally 10 -20% of those who purchased licenses) to save on costs while obtaining reliable information. Anyone who receives a survey is required by law to complet e and return it. Green hides must be sold within 20 days after the season closes It is unlawful for trappers to possess green hides before the season begins or more than 20 days after it closes . For example, if the trapping season for muskrat ends on Janu ary 5 th, you most sell or otherwise dispose of all untanned muskrat pelts by January 25 th. GLOSSARY OF TERMS Furbearing Mammal Four teen species are defined as fur bearing mammals. They include the badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, river otter, red fox, striped skink, long -tailed weasel, and least weasel. Green Hide A green hide is any hide which has not been tanned. NOTE: fiGreen hidefl includes pelts which have been stretched and dried but not tanned. Land Set Any trap or similar device which is not placed or set in contact with flowing or impounded water. Water Set Any trap or similar device which is placed in contact with flowing or impounded water.
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