There are a number of reasons why people trap. For some, it is mainly for money or out of a need to reduce wildlife damage, but for most trappers, it is primarily for other less tangible reasons. Several recent studies, done in various parts of the country, have consistently shown that most trappers rate values such as nature enjoyment, challenge, and recreation above economic gain as reasons why they trap. Some of the motivations behind why people trap are discussed in more detail below.

Economics – Although monetary return is important to most trappers, those individuals who begin trapping because they think it will be an easy way to make a “fast buck” soon find out otherwise. If the average trapper took his annual earnings, subtracted the costs of traps, equipment, and transportation, and then divided the remainder by the number of hours spent obtaining permission, scouting, preparing equipment, setting, and checking traps, and handling and selling the fur, he would realize just how low his hourly earnings really are. But for most, that doesn’t matter. The attraction of trapping goes far beyond the dollars earned.

Challenge and Recreation – Trappers, of necessity, must learn the requirements and habits of the animals they seek in great detail. A recent national survey found that trappers were among the most knowledgeable groups about wildlife and were also among the most concerned about the preservation of wildlife habitats.

Not only does trapping require detailed knowledge of animals, but it also involves long hours, physical labor, and the need to be out every day, no matter what the weather. A typical day on the trapline, even for “part-timers,” begins before daylight with trap checking and resetting, and does not end until well after dark when all furs have been properly taken care of and equipment is prepared for another day. Successful trapping is far more difficult than many people realize. Fox trappers, for example, typically average only about one fox per 100 trap nights (a trap night is one trap set for one night).  It sounds like hard work, and it is. Yet to those who understand and appreciate trapping, nothing is more satisfying. If you lack the motivation and perseverance to do the work involved, day after day, regardless of the weather, then you should consider taking another activity that requires less discipline.

Aesthetics and Heritage – Some of the motivations for trapping are difficult to express but are an immeasurable part of the experience. For some trappers, it is the knowledge that they are practicing a skill, which dates back to the time of their forefathers. For others, it is seeing the changing moods of nature – experiencing frosty sunrises and glorious sunsets far removed from the rush of everyday life. There is also a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from being able to identify animal signs at a glance and interpret what is seen with a fair degree of accuracy.

Damage Control – Some people trap not so much because they want to but because they must. Landowners and livestock producers often fall into this category. Although there are some methods of preventing or reducing wildlife damage that do not involve the removal of animals, the fact remains that the only practical solution to many problems is removing the animals that are causing it. Trapping remains the single most versatile and effective tool for removing many types of problem animals. 

Responsibility – No matter what your motivation for wanting to trap, we want to stress that you should never set a single trap unless you are willing to learn how and where to set it correctly and unless you are willing to check it promptly and regularly as required by law. There is no room in the ranks of trappers for those who are unwilling to accept that responsibility, or who are unwilling to respect and study the animals they seek.