Fall Outdoor Adventure Talks – Managing New Hampshire’s Furbearers

CONCORD, N.H. — The activity of fur trapping has undergone a major overhaul since the pioneer days of our country’s settlement. Modern trapping techniques are used for wildlife management, species re-introductions, biological sampling, and property protection. Learn about this critical tool for managing furbearer populations at a free outdoor adventure talk being offered on Wednesday, September 13, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. The talk begins at 7:00 p.m. No pre-registration is required.

This seminar features professional trappers Jeff Traynor and Robert Levasseur, who will explore the skills and modern relevance of fur trapping, an activity highly regulated by the NH Fish and Game Department.

Jeff Traynor has spent over a decade fur trapping in southern New Hampshire. Traynor utilizes his trapping experience year round as a wildlife management consultant for many unique clients. His works shows how proper education and support for regulated fur trapping are key components of modern wildlife conservation.

Robert Lavasseur has spent most of his life in New Hampshire’s woods and waters. Lavasseur will showcase his passion for the outdoors and 15 years of trapping experience as he demonstrates proper equipment usage and care.

As the popularity of and interest in trapping continue to grow in New Hampshire and across the country, it is important for prospective trappers and the non-trapping public to learn about modern trapping activities. The skills of licensed trappers are called upon for many reasons, from removing nuisance wildlife to assisting in the restoration of endangered species. Bring your questions and come learn why trapping is a valuable activity for New Hampshire.

“Finding the right balance between people and wildlife is critical with these abundant species such as beaver,” says Fish and Game Furbearer Biologist Patrick Tate. “And we would be hard pressed to achieve that balance without the knowledge and skills of our trappers.”

While trapping has a long history in New Hampshire, the techniques have changed significantly over the years. Modern traps are scientifically tested for animal welfare, efficiency, selectivity, and safety using standards set by the International Humane Trapping Standards certification. Thorough testing has been done, and continues, through the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Fur Institute of Canada.