ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Alberta Trappers' Compensation Program / Community Relations / Trapper Education / Trapping in Protected Areas / A Code for Responsible Trapping / Fur Institute of Canada / Alberta's Threatened Wildlife / Release of Non-Target Species / Report A Poacher / Campfires / Notice to Trappers

Trappers are encouraged to:

  • make sets that are designed to only capture the intended species of fur-bearer.
  • make only as many sets as they can manage effectively.
  • anchor traps or snares securely to hold the largest animal that they may catch, and
  • install a centre-mounted, swivelling, short chain (no longer than 30 cm, or 12 in., equipped with a shock absorber) for land foothold trap sets that are solidly anchored.

Alberta Trappers' Compensation Program  back to top

The Alberta Trappers’ Compensation Program provides a framework to compensate operators (trappers) of Registered Fur Management Areas for trapping business losses related to industrial activity on Crown lands, and cabins lost to naturally caused forest fires.

A seven-member Board manages the program with members appointed from:

  • Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA)
  • Alberta Trappers' Association (ATA)
  • Alberta Treaty Indian Trapping Community
  • Alberta Metis Trapping Community
  • ATCO Electric
  • Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
  • Independent Chairman selected by the stakeholders

In 1997, stakeholders in the program agreed that the Alberta Trappers’ Association (ATA) would administer the program that was established by government in 1981. Industry and government jointly share funding. The role of the Board is to:

  • review program specifications and make recommendations to program participants for adjustments to compensation rates, payment schedules etc.,
  • review, adjust and settle trapper claims,
  • mediate and resolve claim-related disputes,
  • document undisputed claim settlements, and
  • review fund status, financial statements, submit annual reports and make recommendations for disbursement of funds to settle claims.

The program recognizes claims in five (5) categories:

  • Damage to trapper assets;
  • Theft, vandalism, and arson;
  • Temporary disruptions to normal trapping operations;
  • Long-term loss of income caused by industrial disturbances; and
  • Cabins lost to naturally caused forest fires (funded by trappers)

For claims related to the damaged asset and temporary disruption categories, the trapper must first negotiate directly with the company responsible. Should this action fail, the claim must be submitted through a district Fish & Wildlife Division office to the Alberta Trappers’ Compensation Board to receive consideration. All theft and vandalism must be promptly reported to the RCMP. A corresponding file number must then be provided to a Fish and Wildlife Officer who, in turn, forwards the claim to the Board. Requests for compensation must be made on the approved ATA Claim Form (ATA #02-01), available at district Fish & Wildlife Division offices, and include any attachments relevant to the claim. This may include:

  • Photographs – especially for theft, vandalism, and arson, or of trail disruptions etc.;
  • Description of equipment stolen and estimated value of items;
  • Dates of disturbance and/or when discovered;
  • Names of companies involved or others that can verify loss.

The Stakeholders [Alberta Trappers’ Association (ATA), Alberta Forests Products Association (AFPA), Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Atco Electric, and Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)] meet annually to review the compensation program and to make the required changes to the memorandum of understanding (Policy and Procedures).

Trappers must co-operate with industry to ensure the success of the program. If you have any questions about this program or need additional information, please contact the Fish & Wildlife Division or the Alberta Trappers’ Association, #2, 9919 – 106 Street, Westlock, Alberta T7P 2K1 (telephone 780-349-6626 or fax 780-349-6634).


Community Relations  back to top

To foster and maintain good relations within their communities and to gain public support, trappers should:

  • respect the rights and property of others;
  • protect and conserve wildlife, and wildlife habitat;
  • help farmers and other landowners who are having problems with nuisance animals;
  • encourage and support trapper education and public awareness programs;
  • support trappers and other wildlife conservation organizations;
  • support and cooperate with government wildlife agencies; and
  • report illegal activities.
     

Trapper Education  back to top

Where there is enough interest to justify the program, Standard Trapping and Conservation courses are held at various locations throughout Alberta during the fall and winter. In these courses, lasting a total of 28 to 30 hours, participants receive information on humane trapping techniques, fur management regulations, fur handling and marketing. Expert fur handlers provide instruction on fur quality and grading.

Registration is limited to a maximum of 20 people, and the registration fee is payable in advance. Registrants receive a course manual and a variety of relevant brochures.

During the 2007-2008 season, 12 courses (194 participants) and 20 workshops and trade shows were held throughout Alberta.

Information on program locations may be obtained from the Alberta Trappers’ Association, #2, 9919 C 106 Street, Westlock, Alberta T7P 2K1, telephone 780-349-6626 or fax 780-349-6634, Website www.albertatrappers.com. When courses are not available, potential first-time licence holders may purchase the Alberta Wild Fur Management Study Guide to prepare themselves for writing the required examination. These guides are available at Fish & Wildlife Division district offices and the Alberta Trappers’ Association office.


Trapping in Protected Areas  back to top

In certain cases trapping is allowed within specific protected areas where this activity is not normally allowed. This may involve a Provincial Park or Recreation Area (or portions of such areas) that fall within an RFMA. If trapping is allowed in such an area individuals who wish to trap on those portions of the RFMA may be required to obtain a Firearms Carry and Discharge Permit from Parks and Protected areas. Please contact your local Parks and Protected Areas Office to confirm if trapping is allowed in a protected area and if this permit is required.


 A Code for Responsible Trapping  back to top

During trapping operations, trappers should:

  • show compassion for the animals they capture;
  • develop skills so that furs are properly prepared for market;
  • know and practice proper releasing and killing methods;
  • record all trap-set locations and captures of furbearers;
  • dispose of animal carcasses properly; and
  • report the presence of diseased animals to a Fish & Wildlife Division district office.
     

Fur Institute of Canada  back to top

The Fur Institute of Canada (FIC) is a non-profit organization, established in 1983 on the initiative of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Wildlife Ministers, to pursue the work of the Federal-Provincial Committee For Humane Trapping. The Institute is an umbrella organization for the Canadian fur industry and its mandate ensures that all sectors are represented, particularly on the Board of Directors.

The overall mission of the FIC is to promote the sustainable and wise use of Canada's fur resources. The Institute supports the following values:

  • The sustainable use and conservation of renewable resources;
  • The continued improvement of animal welfare through ongoing research and the development of national and international trapping standards;
  • The conservation and management of natural resources based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge;
  • Professionalism through continued education, licensing and research;
  • Respect for people, animals and the environment;
  • Respect for tradition, heritage and culture;
  • Respect for the right of Aboriginal people to pursue their aboriginal and treaty rights.

Six operational committees develop programs and deliver project activities within the structure of the Institute. These programs are general communications, aboriginal communications, trap research, international relations, conservation and funding.

The Fur Institute of Canada is committed to delivering information to the media, the general public and governments pertaining to the economic, social, cultural and environmental contributions made by today's fur trade.

For further information, contact the Fur Institute of Canada

  • by mail: Suite 605, 130 Slater Street
    Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6E2
  • by telephone: 613-231-7099
  • by fax: 613-231-7940
  • by e-mail: info@fur.ca or
  • visit website: www.fur.ca

Alberta’s Threatened Wildlife  back to top

Increasing human population and the accompanying increase in demands for resources place many stresses on our natural environment. Wildlife habitats change and in some areas are reduced. Some plants and animals adapt well to the changes; others do not. The Fish & Wildlife Division monitors species whose populations are at risk in the province, and takes steps to conserve this valuable heritage. Information on Alberta’s Species at Risk Program is available at government information centres Edmonton, AB (780)-422-2079 at Fish & Wildlife Division offices and on the Internet (srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife).

The brochures, reports and program summaries provide information on the biology and conservation of various species (e.g., peregrine falcon, swift fox, piping plover, woodland caribou), outlining why they are threatened, what is being done to help these species, and what you can do. Like all Albertans, trappers can help conserve species at risk by ensuring their activities do not conflict with the needs of these species. For example, trappers should take particular care to prevent the accidental capture of non-target species such as the endangered swift fox (see Accidental Trapping).

Release of Non-Target Species   back to top

Trapping has been a part of Alberta's heritage for over a century. People across the province are invloved in trapping as licenced, registered or resident trappers and harvest over $2 million in fur each year. All trappers in Alberta must meet mandatory requirements to obtain a licence including either having passed a test which deals with humane trapping and fur management, or have completed a Trapper Education course.

A Code for Responsible Trapping
During trapping operations, trappers should:

  • show compassion for the animals they capture;
  • develope skills so that furs are properly prepared for market;
  • record all trap-set locations and captures of fur bearers;
  • carefully select trap-set locations and capture of non-target species;
  • report the presence of diseased animals to a Fish and Wildlife Division district office; and
  • know and practice proper killing and releasing methods.

Trappers should be prepared to release non-target animals that are not seriously injured. Carefully assess the risk factors involved in releasing an animal or bird to ensure personal safety and the welfare of the animal or bird.

Methods of releasing animals include:

Using a forked stick

  • position the stick around the animal's neck and apply only enough pressure to immobilize the animal.
  • the capture device can then be released from the animal.

Using a snare pole

  • the noose of the snare pole is slipped over the animal's jaws or neck and tightened to immobilize the animal.
  • the capture device can then be released from the animal.

Using a tarp, coat or blanket

  • This method is especially useful for releasing small animals or birds, particularly Birds of Prey.
  • The material should be large and strong enough only to immobilize the animal or bird without harm.
  • Once immobilized, the animal or bird can be released from the capture device.

Trappers who accidentally capture any wildlife that are not furbearing animals are reminded to report the incident as soon as practical to the nearest Fish and Wildlife Office. Accidental capture of Birds of Prey, i.e. Eagles, or Endangered Species such as Swift Fox that cannot be readily released due to injury should be delivered to the nearest Fish and Wildlife Division office or a qualified veterinarian for care.

Report A Poacher  back to top

Poaching is a Crime!

Not only do poachers steal our fish and wildlife heritage, they give anglers and hunters a bad name.

Alberta Conservation Association’s REPORT A POACHER program provides Albertans with the opportunity to report suspected violations using a toll-free number: 1-800-642-3800 or #3800 on the TELUS Mobility network (courtesy TELUS Mobility). The line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Fishing or hunting out of season, night hunting, exceeding bag limits, illegal sale of fish and wildlife and deposit of harmful substances in lakes and rivers are violations that seriously affect fish and wildlife in Alberta.

If you see or know of a violation, you should record all information, including date, time, location, vehicle licence number, vehicle description, description of person(s) involved, details of violation, and any other details, no matter how insignificant they may seem. You should then contact the nearest Fish & Wildlife Division office or call 1-800-642-3800 as soon as possible.

If the information provided concerns a resource violation and results in the laying of a charge by a Conservation Officer, the reporter is automatically eligible for a reward. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the nearest office of the Fish & Wildlife Division.

Campfires  back to top

 SUMMER OR WINTER - MAKE SURE YOUR FIRE IS OUT!

Nearly half of the forest fires in Alberta are caused by people. Nobody means to start a forest fire and most never know the blaze was a result of their carelessness. Campfires built in a poor location, left unattended or not completely extinguished can cause forest fires. Even when there is water nearby or snow on the ground!

Make sure your fire is out and if you see smoke or fire in a forested area, call the hot line:

310-FIRE - Call Collect, Call Immediately!

Notice to Trappers  back to top

The Fish and Wildlife Division frequently conducts vehicle checks to assist in the management of Alberta’s fish and wildlife resources and to ensure compliance with existing legislation.

Trapped in someone else's frame? Click here.

Visit the Alberta Outdoorsmen MESSAGE BOARD


Sports Scene Publications Inc.
#100, 10642 - 178 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5S 1H4
Phone: 780-413-0331 • Fax: 780-413-0388

Visit the Official Alberta Outdoorsmen website!