Trapping Best Management Practices (BMP's)

Promoting Science Based Wildlife Management Decisions for a Better Massachusetts

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are based on the most extensive study of animal traps ever conducted in the United States. Test traps were selected based on knowledge of commonly used traps, previous research findings, and input from expert trappers. Statisticians from universities and federal and state agencies developed rigorous study designs. Experienced wildlife biologists and trappers developed study procedures, supervised or participated in field research and provided insight and expert technical advice on trapping methods to ensure the completion of each project. Data collection, including safety evaluations, was undertaken following widely accepted international standards for testing traps specified in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Documents 10990-4 and 10990-5. Wildlife biologists and statisticians assisted in data analysis and interpretation during the development of this document

It's important to note that the national and international wildlife mangement conservation community has invested significant time, money and expertise to defin e best management practices for trapping, where the welfare of the animal is paramount. However, the effort here in Massachusetts to modify the existing trapping law - Senate bill 634 [click here to see bill] is only taking a very small slice of the bmp approved devices and methods. Adding only two new restraint devices that did not exist when the law changed in 1996 and allowing for use conibear style devices for use during the established regulated season will be a game changer for state wildlife managers.