Humane Trapping Deadline Nears

Humane Trapping Deadline Nears

Thursday, March 01, 2007 at 16:41

Northern trappers could have some decision-making to do when it comes to the fall harvest.

The province will likely not have enough traps available in time for the onset of the Humane Trapping Standards Act.

Provincial trapping specialist Mike Gollop says that means species like the otter, coyote, wolf and lynx will be exempt from the new standards.

However the new rules will still apply for harvesting marten, fisher, muskrat and beaver pelts.

He admits the situation isn’t ideal, but he feels the long-term benefits of the switch outweigh the short-term confusion – in particular, the improvement in pelt quality caused by a quick kill.

Gollop says his department will keep advising trappers about the latest developments throughout the year.