Other kill traps include the colony trap and submersion sets. Body-grip Traps. A body-grip trap is designed to catch the animal around the neck or chest area.
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Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 67 Chapter 7Best Management PracticesChapter 7 – Best Management PracticesObjective – Students understand Best Management Practices for .Introduction In 1996, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (formerly known as the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) began a program to develop Best Management Practices for trapping as a way to improve the welfare of captured animals, and to document improvements in trapping technology. This project is one of the most ambitious in the history of the conservation movement. The WDNR and the WTA have been active in this program since inception, with experienced trappers involved from all regions of the state. BMP™s are necessary to sustain regulated trapping as a wildlife management tool, and to maintain the integrity of wildlife conservation programs through-out the United States.Who Coordinates BMP™s for Trapping The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies coordinates the development of BMPs for trapping. AFWA -life management agencies, federal agencies, and conservation organizations. State furbearer biologists, veterinarians and trappers in addition to scientists from the University of Georgia and the University of Wyoming cooperated on the development of BMPs. Most funding for BMP research and development was provided through a Congressional appropriation to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. BMPs are based on the most extensive research effort of animal traps ever conducted in the United States. Traps tested were selected based on knowl -edge of commonly used traps, previous research, and input from expert trap-pers.Trapping BMP™s – Sustaining the Future of Trapping -ment of Best Management Practices.
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Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 68 Chapter 7 – Best Management PracticesBMPs – Tools for Trappers and Wildlife Professionals Trapping BMPs were developed to give wildlife professionals information to continue the improvement of trapping systems throughout the United States. Trapping BMPs include suggestions on practices, equipment, and techniques that will provide trappers and wildlife biologists with practical information to unintended capture of other animals, and increase public support for trapping.BMP Evaluation Criteria BMP traps were evaluated using criteria to measure the effects on animal wel -fare as well as trapping , selectivity, practicality, and safety. Animal Welfare Researchers tested live restraining traps for injuries to furbearers using two injuries into categories from mild to severe. BMP approved traps must have a low rate of injuries to the furbearing animals being studied. Recommended traps resulted in moderate, low, or no injury to at least 70 percent of the animals trapped. Traps meeting BMP criteria must be able to capture and hold at least 60 per -cent of the furbearers that spring the trap. Traps must be set and used in a fashion that limits the risk of capturing non- furbearing species while increasing the chances of capturing the desired fur-bearer. Each recommended live-restraining trap was evaluated by experienced trap-pers and wildlife biologists for practicality. Criteria used to measure practicality include cost, ease of use, ease of transport, storage, weight and size, reliability, versatility and the expected life-span of the trap. Each recommended live-restraining trap was evaluated for safety to the user and other people who might come into contact with the trap.- injuries.More than 250 teams of -Management Practices into furbearer management programs.- – program.
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Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 69 Chapter 7 – Best Management Practices Sources for BMP Information BMPs at the following Web site: The Furbearer Management website is maintained by the Association of Fish and trapping organizations. BMPs provide guidance to wildlife agencies and help responsible trappers furbearer in Wisconsin. — factors. trapping associations in print Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 70 Chapter 7 РBest Management PracticesObjective ΠStudents understand Best Management Practices for Trapping are needed to Рment programs. State the name of the organization that coordinates development of Best Management Practices for Trapping. 1. State the full name of the organization known as AFWA. _______________________________________________________________________ Р2. Experienced ___________________ were deeply involved with developing Best Management Practices for Trapping. 3. Using trapping BMPs can: a. Improve ______________ welfare. b. Help avoid the unintended ________________ of other animals. c. Increase public _________________ for trapping. 5. What is the URL address for the Best Management Practices website.
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Chapter 8 – Traps Chapter 8Traps Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 71 Objective – Introduction Traps come in many different sizes, shapes and styles. Traps can be divided into two main groups: Live-restraining or kill-type traps.Live-restraining Traps Live-restraining traps are designed to capture an animal alive and unharmed. The most common live-restraining traps include foot-hold traps, cable restraints and cage traps. These traps allow release of non-target animals. Kill-type traps are designed to kill furbearers. The most common kill-type traps are the and cable snare. Wisconsin has strict regulations on the use of these traps which includes trap size and location where sets can be made. The use of kill-type traps is highly regulated to avoid incidental catch of non-target animals. Some of the traps described in this chapter may not be legal in Wisconsin. Regulations vary from state to state, and from year to year within states. Know the regulations for Wisconsin, and follow them. Live-restraining Traps Foot-hold traps Foot-hold trap means a trap, constructed of metal, designed to catch an ani-mal by the foot. The most common types of foot-hold traps include longspring and coilspring traps. Foot-hold traps come in various sizes and strengths, each Advantages of foot-hold traps include versatility, small size, and the ability to release animals. Foot-hold traps, along with cable restraints, are the most reli-able traps for coyote, red fox, and gray fox. Tag Safety CatchTrigger DogJawSpringTrigger wires jawsspringslevers
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Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 73 Chapter 8 – Traps Cable Restraint The cable restraint is a device consisting of a cable, a relaxing lock, and a swivel used to live-capture fox, coyote, and bobcat. Cable restraints function by holding an animal by the neck or body. To be legal in Wisconsin, the device must consist of a reverse-bend washer lock that can move in both directions on the cable. The cable restraint must also include a breakaway device rated at 285 pounds or less to allow non-target animals to free themselves. To avoid entanglement, the cable restraint must be set in an area away from thick brush, saplings or fences. The cable restraint is lightweight and requires less tools to set, making them a tool of choice for many canine trappers. Chapter 13 covers cable restraints in greater detail.Cage Traps The cage trap functions by enclosing the animal completely inside a cage or box. A treadle (or pan) works as the trigger, and when stepped on, causes the open door to close behind the animal. Cage traps come in various sized models and work well in areas where the chance of domestic and non-target capture is likely. Non-targets can be easily released. The disadvantage to the cage trap is branches, leaves) will make it more effective. In metropolitan areas, the cage Padded JawsOffset Jaws Double JawsLaminated JawsOffset Two jaws
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Chapter 8 – Traps trap might be the only legal means of capturing furbearers. Many nuisance trappers use cage traps to relocate smaller animals such as woodchucks, squir- cage traps. Kill-type Traps The most common kill-type traps include the and cable snare. Other kill traps include the and submersion sets. A body-grip trap is designed to catch the animal around the neck or chest area. When the trap is properly set, the animal is killed quickly by a combination of striking and clamping forces. In most cases, the animal is struck at the base of the skull resulting in unconsciousness and quick death. Careful attention must be paid to trigger placement and how the animal will approach the set to make the trap most effective. Body-grip traps are popular with water and land trappers. It is very important body-grip traps. Cable Snare A cable snare is a device similar to the cable restraint, but is designed to kill the animal. In Wisconsin, cable snares are used to trap beaver and otter and must be at least 50% underwater to be legal. A cable snare is NOT a cable restraint . A cable snare consists of a non-spring activated, galvanized aircraft cable which includes a non-relaxing mechanical lock and swivel. The non- relaxing mechanical lock on the cable can only move in one direction. When the animal pulls, the cable gets tighter leading to suffocation and death. Cable snares are not legal on dryland. Cable snares should be used in conjunction with a submersion system to insure quick death. A is a type of cage trap with one or more one-way entrances designed to be used as a submersion set for muskrat and mink. It is called a colony trap because you can catch multiple muskrats at one time. Check regula- trap in Wisconsin. Submersion Sets – Note: In Wisconsin, special regula -tions require medium and large body grip traps to be used with special care. Check the current trapping regulations to be aware of these requirements.Universal SwivelDouble Stake SwivelCable SwivelSingle Stake Swivel
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Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 75 Chapter 8 – Traps Earth Anchor. where the trap is set. The other end of the cable is staked or anchored in deep lock allows the animal to swim toward deeper water, but not back to shore. This trapping system is covered further in Chapter 11. Trap Anchoring Systems Traps must be attached to something to hold an animal. Normally a chain is attached to a trap. Trappers can use several methods to secure the chain includ -ing single stakes, cross stakes, earth anchors, drags, or grapples.Stakes are normally made of metal (rerod) and are used to secure the chain to the ground. A stake needs to be long enough to hold the largest animal that might be caught. Under most conditions stakes should be Cross Staking or Double Staking is a method used for stronger animals like bobcat, fox and coyote. Adding a second stake prevents larger animals from fipumpingfl a single stake out of the ground. If the You must not let an animal escape with a trap on its foot because it will cause injury. Earth Anchors or Disposable Stakes are attached to a cable which is driven into the ground with a tool. After being pounded into the ground, the cable is given a tug and the anchor turns sideways, securing it in place. Earth anchors are very strong, and need to be dug out of the ground when you remove the set. Drags are also a type of anchoring system for traps. Drags are commonly used for sets made in the open. Drags allow an animal to move a short distance and reach cover. Grapples are metal devices secured to the chain of traps. Grapples work like drags, but they are not as heavy. The shape of the metal grapple causes it to dig into the ground or vegetation, restricting the furbearer™s movement. Once in cover it usually becomes entangled in heavier, dense brush. When approaching the trap set you can usually follow the tracks of the grapple in the ground. A variety of good swivels are needed for quality sets that catch and hold certain furbearers. Swivels reduce the chance of injury by allowing a trap to move freely in the same direction as the animal™s foot. It™s recommended that all dryland foot-hold traps have at least 3 swivels including a base swivel on coilspring traps.
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Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 76 Chapter 1 – Introduction to Trapper Education Natalene CummingsTrap Tuning tension. regulations. Lap-link swivels, stake swivels, and universal swivels can be used to fasten a chain to a stake. When two stakes are needed trappers use a special cross- staking swivel. Universal swivels can be used in the middle of chains. Four-way swivel, or box swivel, is another name for a universal swivel. A universal swivel is also used to attach the chain to a trap at the center of the base-plate. J-hooks are used on some swivels. A special s-hook tool can be used to close and open the hook without damaging it. Some coyote trappers weld the connec-tion to keep it from pulling open. Swivels of various types, including universal swivels, are also used in combi-nation with sliding locks in submersion sets. Always use the highest quality swivels in your trap systems to prevent an ani -mal from escaping or being injured. The proper use of swivels is an important part of responsible trapping. Another way to reduce injury is to include shock springs. Shock springs should be used in combination with swivels, chains, stakes, drags, and grapples. One or two shock springs can be inserted in the chain and are used to help hold the animal and reduce leg and shoulder injury. Trap Tuning Inspection and Adjustments Whether new or used, all traps require some minor adjustments to operate ef – important that you inspect and tune all of your traps before the start of each season. Check for bent or broken parts, weak springs and damaged or broken chains. Parts are available for most traps or you can just save the broken traps as parts for future traps needing repairs. File down any sharp edges or burrs especially on the inside edges of the jaws and make sure trap tags are attached to all traps. Foot-hold Trap Adjustments When adjusting foot-hold traps, the trap pan needs to be level with the jaws. If the pan rests too high or too low, the frame will need to be bent in or out be -low the fidog.fl Bend it out to raise the pan. Bend it in to lower the pan.
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