by: Roy A. Miles (CD)
WINTER 1991
In times past, certain species of wildlife and their environment were in grave danger. The encroachment of settlement and modern technology threatened animals, the pursuit of trapping, and the fur industry.
Trappers and trapper associations began to realize the seriousness of the problem and urged government to quickly correct the situation. Presently, as a result of the use of surveys and appropriate legislation, a desirable balance of wild animal species is possible and can be maintained under normal circumstances.
The Trappers' Association of Nova Scotia (T.A.N.S.) and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural resources have always enjoyed a good relationship, working together toward successful wild animal management.
Because trappers spend a lot of time on their traplines, their observations can provide valuable information about furbearers and other wild animal species. Therefore at regular intervals, joint meetings of Department and T.A.N.S. representatives are held to examine wildlife situations and help determine the best course of management that will ensure the continued well-being of our wildlife populations. The Trappers' Association of Nova Scotia is proud that it can contribute toward sound conservation practices.
Frequently, T.A.N.S. members learn of things that seem to suggest that many members of the public lack an understanding of trapping and the fur industry. Animal rights advocates have long known of the public's lack of awareness and have been quick to use it to gain support for their cause through well organized campaigns. For quite a while this approach worked because there was little or no opposition. It took a while and a few incidents such as the closure of the sealing industry before the effects of the activists' actions were fully realized. events seemed to indicate that the ultimate goal of some major animal rights organizations was to ban the use of all animal species by mankind for any purpose. trappers and governments learned that such groups were capable of causing serious problems for the fur industry and thereby creating severe loss to both the local and world economy.
Some extremist groups take little heed of the manner that nature has of controlling animal population levels. Often they tend to disregard scientific facts concerning animal well-being when wildlife is left strictly to nature's control. They make no mention of the over-population problems that would occur if wildlife harvesting were to be banned.
In an over-population situation animals suffer injury from fighting for limited habitat and they may die from starvation as well as diseases such as rabies, distemper and mange. These "natural" deaths are often far less humane that what would occur during a controlled harvest.
People should consider the many benefits of fur harvesting and the fur industry. natural fur is a renewable resource that can produce a sustained yield. it is also biodegradable whereas synthetic fur is made from nonrenewable resources and may be less environmentally friendly.
Wildlife harvesting helps ensure healthy animal populations as well as benefitting the economy. Banning trapping and hunting results in a loss of livelihood to many people and an increase tax burden to compensate for the loss of employment.
Trappers' associations are currently promoting programs in an effort to educate the public about the positive aspects of trapping and the fur industry. Recent events show that these program are helping to correct misconceptions that may have resulted from misinformation issued from some activist groups. However, T.A.N.S. realizes that animal rights extremists will continue with their endeavours and that if left unopposed they will continue to gain public support. Therefore, our programs must be continued and expanded to provide an accurate source of information about wildlife harvesting.
As in any profession, there are varying degrees of expertise among trappers. Nova Scotia can boast of many top-notch trappers, skilled people who know and practice humaneness, conservation and proper landowner relationships. On the other hand, there is the occasional "slob trapper" who sets a poor example and tarnishes the image of the trapping profession. to help eliminate this situation, the Trappers' Association of Nova Scotia and the then Department of Lands and Forests joined forces in 1984 and began planning the production of an educational manual and a mandatory trapper education program.
After several months of meetings, discussion sessions, and research, it was agreed that the high quality Nova Scotia Fur Harvester's Education Manual was ready to go to press. Our manual has been highly acclaimed and continues to be in demand by trappers and associated organizations from far and near. Other provinces and states have requested permission to use our manual as a guide in producing a manual of their own. Recently T.A.N.S. received such a request from Norway.
In 1986 Nova Scotia implemented a mandatory Fur Harvester's Educational Course for all beginner trappers. All new trappers must successfully pass this course before being permitted to purchase a trapping license. Courses instruct new trappers about complying with the many concerns of landowners, pet owners and the general public. As well, the most up-to-date methods of humane harvesting, proper fur handling, respect to fellow trappers and conservation are also covered. The courses are taught by qualified T.A.N.S. instructors in cooperation with Department of Natural resources personnel. Specific instruction standards and procedures are strictly adhered to.
The Trappers' Association of Nova Scotia is proud of the part they are able to play in this province's fur harvester education training program.