BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
HUMANE TRAPPING STANDARDS
Are you using the most effective, selective, and humane tools and techniques for capturing furbearing
animals? If not, take a minute to learn about AFWAs best management practices for trapping.
WHAT ARE BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES (BMPs)?
BMPs for humane trapping standards are a series of free
handbooks developed by wildlife management
professionals, researchers, and trappers that describe
the most effective, selective and humane methods and
techniques for capturing furbearer species in the United
States.
The recommendations contained in the BMPs include
practices, equipment and techniques that ensure the
welfare of trapped animals, avoid unintended captures of
other animals, increase the safety for the trapper,
improve public confidence in trappers and wildlife
managers, and help maintain public support for trapping
and wildlife management.
WHO SHOULD USE BMPs?
BMPs are practical tools for trappers, wildlife biologists,
wildlife agencies, and anyone interested in improving
traps and trapping methods.
HOW ARE BMPs DEVELOPED?
BMPs are developed by the Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) in collaboration with numerous
State and Federal wildlife professionals, researchers, and
private trappers. They are the result of the most
extensive study of animal trap selectivity, efficacy, and
humaneness ever conducted in the United States. Each
recommended technique and trap has been rigorously
tested by researchers with the help of experienced
wildlife biologists and trappers. The research and
development of BMPs are a dynamic and continuous
process.
BMP handbooks provide valuable information
on trapping tools and techniques.
These free guides are available for a
wide variety of species:
American Marten
Badger
Beaver
Bobcat
Coyote
Fisher
Gray Fox
Gray Wolf
Lynx
Mink
Muskrat
Nutria
Opossum
Raccoon
Ringtail
Red Fox
River Otter
Striped Skunk
Weasel
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies | www.fishwildlife.org | phone 202.624.7890 | info@fishwildlife.org
Based on sound science and research, BMPs help improve and
modernize the technology of trapping.
Trapping is an important part of our Nations history and
future. By using BMPs, you ensure trapping for wildlife
research, management, income, and recreation is
maintained for generations to come.
WHY USE BMPs?
In the United States, wildlife agencies depend on traps
and trappers for the successful implementation of many
wildlife management and conservation programs. Traps
are used not only to maintain healthy furbearer
populations, but also to manage game species; protect
threatened and endangered species, habitat and
property; reintroduce wildlife to historical ranges; and
maintain public health and safety.
In addition to improving trapping technologies for the
benefit of U.S. trappers and wildlife, BMPs also meet
international standards and agreements for humane
trapping. In 1997, the United States signed an Agreed
Minute with the European Union to conduct research to
identify traps meeting specific criteria for humaneness,
selectivity, and efficacy. This ensures foreign markets
remain open for Americas multi-million dollar fur and
skin trade.
The use, support, and continued improvement
of BMPs ensure that regulated trapping
remains a valuable and effective wildlife
management tool.
TO LEARN MORE
To learn more about BMPs or to download a
species handbook, please visit AFWAs
website at www.fishwildlife.org.
BMPs are developed in collaboration with the
U.S. Department of Agricultures Wildlife
Services program.
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies | www.fishwildlife.org | phone 202.624.7890 | info@fishwildlife.org
