Trappers in New York and Vermont: comparisons of social characteristics and motivations

Abstract

Although trapping has a long history in North America, it is currently the focus of heated debate. Part of this debate concerns the reasons for trapping: is it a sport, a business, or a subsistence activity? Unfortunately, we know little about trappers, their attitudes, motivations, and personal characteristics. This paper presents the results of two trapper surveys--one in New York and one in Vermont. The results show great similarity across the trappers of both states. Muskrat and mink were the most common target species and most trappers in both states utilized foothold traps. The majority had an educational level of high school or less, and a median family income of between $20,000 and $30,000. These results may reflect more recreational than profit-oriented trappers, however, as many of the latter may have left trapping after several years of declining pelt prices.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 1991 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

In: Vander Stoep, Gail A., ed. 1992. Proceedings of the 1991 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 1991 April 7-9; Saratoga Springs, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-160. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. p.134-138.