traplines

A trapline is a series of traps set by a trapper over a specific area, usually along a predetermined route. The purpose of a trapline is to capture fur-bearing animals for their pelts, meat, or to control populations. Trappers typically check their traplines regularly, often daily, to remove captured animals and reset or adjust traps.

The design and placement of traps are crucial to the effectiveness and legality of a trapline. Traps are chosen based on the target species, considering factors like size, habit, and the type of fur desired. Common trap types include snares, leg-hold traps, body-gripping traps, and cage traps. The location of traps is often based on animal sign, such as tracks, scat, or trails, and considerations for minimizing the capture of non-target animals.

Traplines are an ancient practice, used by indigenous peoples for millennia for subsistence and trade. In modern times, trapping is regulated by wildlife agencies in most regions, with laws dictating seasons, trap types, and permissible methods. These regulations aim to ensure sustainable harvesting and animal welfare. Trapping can play a role in wildlife management, including controlling populations of invasive species or animals that pose a threat to agriculture or human health. Ethical considerations and the humane dispatch of captured animals are important aspects of modern trapping practices.