Voluntary Planning

As president of the trappers association I want to reaffirm to the planning committee the importance of making sure "Trapping" is included in any strategy that will be developed for our natural resources. Joel Doucet from Church Point, director of this association has been attending the planning sessions on our behalf.
Trapping is the one of the oldest industries in Nova Scotia. This traditional old world practice is carried out by some 1400 trappers in the province from the native and non native communities. We are regulated by provincial regulations. We have an extensive trapper education program that sees 50 to 75 newly educated trappers on a yearly basis. We are continually upgrading existing trappers, and have met all the requirements set out by the European Union that requires that fur harvested be done with certified traps, which reflects the most modern humane methods known. Even with the current low prices of current fur prices, this industry puts $ 1,000,000 directly into Nova Scotia Trappers pockets on a yearly basis. Trappers also use wildlife like the beaver for a home food source.
As trappers we:
Harvest a natural renewable sustainable resource from crown, small private, and large private lands, a portion of which land some times are managed through sustainable forest management plans.
Provide to the provincial government estimates as to population levels.
Provide to the government accurate harvest returns from our catches.
Provide to the government, universities, and other biology departments carcasses from our harvest for further training and study.
Work with various provincial agencies to help control nuisance wildlife causing damage to provincial highways, various agricultural lands, and small and large forest land owners, and non rural communities.
Practice and encourage sustainable development so that this multi use resource can be enjoyed by all.
Many trappers live in rural communities like myself. We work at local jobs. We have trap lines that we run and check early morning or after work. Myself I make between $1000 and $ 1500 per year through this activity. Income paid by rural employers is often restricted by the nature or type of work; the employers that I work for pay me what they can. I use this trapping activity to help me obtain the extra things that I want to do. I use this money mostly for fuel expense. This allows me to be a member of the local fire department, be involved with search and rescue, on the local community cap site committee helping to bring internet access to our area, and involved with local school activities.
The value of trapping is important. It provides many services, and allows many people to live and be a part of there rural community. Your Natural Resource Strategy must insure that out trapping activity is able to be continued for future generations.
Gary Fisher
President Trappers Association of Nova Scotia