The Quest for Fur

Successful trappers in the Blackfoot Watershed rely upon the ability to read animal signs and study behavioral patterns within habitats. Within the watershed, there are animals that can be trapped year-round as well as those with a defined season and area.

There is a limit as to how many and which animals can be trapped within each season per regulations.

"Just because a trapper can trap animals year-round does not mean it is the right thing to do," said semi-professional trapper Bob Sheppard of Ovando.

The animals are classified into four areas being furbearers, predators, non-game and "species in need of management."

The furbearer group includes beaver, muskrat, otter, marten, mink, fisher, swift fox and bobcat. These have a trapping season specific to each animal with a resident license needed.

Predators include coyote, skunk and weasel that may be trapped year-round with only non-resident licenses required.

Non-game animals are badgers, raccoons, rabbits, gophers and the red fox can be trapped year-round.

Wolves are in the category of "species in need of management" and can be trapped with a license.

Lions and bears are not legal to trap by the general public because they are classified as big game. They may be trapped by wildlife agencies for collaring or relocating purposes.

People can tell many things from animal and behavioral signs. Tracks can be found in dirt, mud, snow, sand and moss as well as other terrain. Tracks can show speed and direction of travel. Tracks can also give an indication of weight and age as well as what type of animal it is.

Animal scat can tell what an animal has eaten. Hairs can be found on fencing, grasses, bark, dirt and twigs.

Animals can mark their territories with scat, clawings, scent, rubs and wallows. There are signs from traveling, feeding, bedding and breeding.

Trappers and wilderness-goers can read these signs to figure out why the animal is there, if it is passing through or a resident. The signs can help trappers determine where to place traps.

According to the Montana Trappers Association (MTA), trappers use this traditional knowledge to learn about animals and learn from living with nature.

Sheppard has been trapping for more than 40 years. He has learned about wildlife from spending time in and appreciating the wilderness while not trapping.

"I have learned a lot [about nature] from not catching animals," said Sheppard. He enjoys learning about animals' routines and behaviors by observing them.

By lying near a beaver mound and just listening, he learned about the sounds that beaver families make. In beaver families they make grunts, coos and barks to communicate with each other.

Sheppard said each thing that happens in nature affects something else, either positively or not. "Everything in nature is connected," he said.

That is why ethics are important to Sheppard. He respects wildlife and the animals he traps. "If it is legal it may not be ethical," he said. An example would be setting a trap the regulated distance from a roadway. If an animal was trapped there and out in the open exposed to humans and traffic it might become more stressed than if the trap was set in a more secluded location to minimize stress on the animal if caught.

Sheppard said trappers have an obligation to the animal and trap. Trappers regularly check their traps and must be checked every 48 hours. If unintentional animals like dogs or mountain lions are caught, they are released.

Not checking traps is counterproductive because if an animal is caught other animals may destroy it or the fur could be ruined from weather or water.

The majority of local trappers fall into the category of "hobby trapper" or "semi-professional trapper". These are trappers who have either full-time or seasonal employment and do not depend on trapping to maintain their lifestyle.

Sheppard traps because he enjoys the many facets of it. "It keeps me outdoors, I keep learning, and I can have a relationship with animals and people," he said. "It is part of me, like breathing." 

Trapping seasons are usually scheduled in the colder winter months. This is when the animals' coats are the thickest. Proper field care, skinning, fleshing, stretching the hide and using the animal for meat is how trappers make the most of an animal said Sheppard.

Trappers trap for furs which can be sold, used for education purposes, animal mounts and taxidermy, used for decoration and made into clothing.

Trapping can occur on public and private land. Some trappers work for ranchers and trap water animals like beaver and muskrat that can flood hayfields with brush.

Some examples of traps used in the watershed include foothold traps as well as conibear and snare traps for the neck or body. The traps are designed for containment of an animal for release, relocate or immediate kill.

Skiers, hikers, hunters and horseback riders enjoy areas where there may be traps. Although trappers do not have to mark their trap location with the exception of state ground, they sometimes hang ribbons near their traps for visibility. Traps must be labeled with metal identification tags.

Wildlife entities like Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) regulate trapping. This includes licensing, seasons, types of traps and trapping methods. This is to ensure trap performance standards for animal welfare and safety according to the MTA Best Management Practices.

Traps or trapped animals are not to be destroyed, removed or disturbed without the trapper's permission. Call 1-800-TIP-MONT to report any questionable trap or situation.

More information on trapping and trapping regulations can be found on the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Website under Trapping and Wolf Trapping at fwp.mt.gov and on the Montana Trappers Association website at montanatrappers.org