Maryland Fur Trappers

Protecting and Preserving Our Ecosystem for Future Generations Since 1961

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Trapper Education Meet Our Instructors

Who Are Maryland Fur Trappers?

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Video: Destroying the Myth

Why Support Maryland Fur Trappers?

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Why?

Do you love Chesapeake Bay and its estuaries? Are you interested in the survival of the piping plover and other shore-nesting sea birds? Are you happy to see river otters swimming in the waterways of Western Maryland once again? Do you want a healthy ecosystem for future generations?

If you have answered yes to any one of these questions you’re not alone. The non-profit organization Maryland Fur Trappers and its members play a direct and crucial role in actively addressing these and many other environmental issues specific to our area.

Education

Our environment needs your help, our ecosystem needs the skills of ethical trapping and ethical trapping is a skill that must be taught.

Membership

Help preserve our ecosystem. Become a member today.

How You Can Help

Your Support Will Make a Difference

Today more than ever, ethical trapping is a crucial tool in saving and protecting our environment. Ethical trapping is a skill that must be taught and understood. A skill that our ecosystem can’t afford to lose.

Our goal here at Maryland Fur Trappers is to introduce, teach and mentor people to the ways of ethical trapping. To accomplish this goal we need the support of people who care about our ecosystem and enjoy the outdoors.

Learn How Ethical Trapping is Helping to Save our Ecosystem.

The non-profit organization Maryland Fur Trappers and its members play a direct and crucial role in actively addressing these and many other environmental issues specific to our area.

Formed in 1961, the organization is dedicated to the protection, enhancement and management of Maryland’s ecosystem and wildlife. The members seek to promote an understanding of the biological, cultural and economic value of ethical trapping in Maryland.

Please consider becoming a member today.

Become a Member

Learn More

Consider a Career in Forestry or Wildlife Management

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Scholarship Program

A limited number of scholarships are available for individuals pursuing degrees in forestry and wildlife management. Click the button below to request more information and how to apply.

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Our young people are our future. Understanding the crucial role ethical trapping plays in today’s modern ecosystem is vital. Developing these skills has required the knowledge of decades of experience. One cannot express enough the importance of passing this knowledge on to our youth, our future forestry and wildlife managers.

Our ecosystem cannot afford for ethical trapping skills to become a lost art. Maryland Fur Trappers is dedicated to passing the knowledge of ethical trapping on to our youth. We are dedicated to the youth of our state and the future of our delicate ecosystem.

Want to Learn More?

Enjoy Some Articles From Our Learning Center Below.

The Silent Guardians: Trappers in Ecosystem Management

Trappers are often unsung heroes in the world of environmental management, serving as silent guardians who play a crucial role in ecosystem health. Trappers help maintain balanced wildlife populations, which prevents overpopulation, reduces the spread of diseases, and...

Urban Encounters: Trapping and the Impact of Habitat Destruction

Urbanization has become a hallmark of modern society, with sprawling cities continuously encroaching upon natural landscapes. While this growth provides economic and social benefits, it also brings profound consequences for wildlife. The expansion of urban areas leads...

Sustainable Populations: Trapping for Ecological Equilibrium

Introduction Trapping is a vital tool in wildlife management, particularly for controlling the populations of fur-bearing animals. This practice is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of wildlife populations. This essay...

Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Trapping as a Solution

Introduction As urban and suburban areas expand, the issue of human-wildlife conflict becomes increasingly prevalent. In Maryland, one significant aspect of this conflict involves furbearers such as raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. These animals, driven by habitat...

The Necessity of Predator Management: Lessons from Montgomery County’s Coyote Incident

In the quiet weave of Montgomery County's daily bustle, an alarming incident unfurled on Thursday, March 28 —a rabid coyote attack that left two residents wounded. This violent encounter with wildlife jolts us into the reality of our shared spaces with nature's...

The Quiet Danger: Controlling Rabies through Trapping

On a seemingly ordinary day near the creek on Skinners Turn Road, nature's unpredictable side was unveiled when an otter, possibly defending her pups or infected with rabies, attacked two individuals. This alarming incident, reported by the Calvert County Health...

Trapping the Trouble: How Predator Control Aids Waterfowl Conservation

The quiet marshlands, where waterfowl nest, tell tales of unseen battles. The play of predator and prey is age-old, but today, it’s skewed, tipping the scales against our waterfowl. This article delves into the intricate world of waterfowl conservation, focusing on...

Paddling Paradise: Trappers, Nutria, and the Sunrise Symphony in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Estuaries

As the first light of dawn caresses the serene waters of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay estuaries, a surreal experience awaits those who choose to embark on a kayaking adventure. The shallow waters, often overlooked, unveil a unique beauty at sunrise that captivates the...

Whispers in the Marsh: Trappers, Anglers, and the Symphony of Chesapeake Bay Conservation

In the tranquil estuaries of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, anglers experience a connection with nature that is both profound and exhilarating. This cherished environment, with its bountiful game fish and pristine waters, owes much to the unsung heroes of conservation -...

The Beneficial Tool of Ethical Trapping for Re-establishing River Otters in Western Maryland

River otters were common in the Chesapeake watershed until they were driven out by the fur trade in the 19th century. Since then, they've been trying to return. In the last ten years, they've been making a comeback in western Maryland. Depending on your land's...

The Devastating Impact of Nutria on the Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem and the Benefits of Ethical Trapping

Have you heard about the devastating effects the invasive species Nutria has on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem? Nutria was brought over from South America as a potential replacement for the Rockefeller-sponsored fur trade in the 1930s. However, when the fur market fell...

The Importance of Ethical Trapping to Protect Shore-Nesting Sea Birds

Shore nesting birds like plovers, gulls pelicans and egrets are facing drastic losses. Protecting these birds is essential to our ecosystem, as well as beneficial for humans. Trapping is one tool that can help us protect these species. Read below to learn more about...

Harmony in the Wild: Balancing Predator Control, Wildlife Management, and Sustainable Income through Ethical Trapping

In the intricate tapestry of our natural world, the role of predator control by trappers stands as a critical thread, weaving together the delicate balance between ecosystems and human development. As we witness the rapid transformation of habitats due to human...

Rabies Alert: Unmasking the Silent Threat in Charles County and the Vital Role of Trapping in a Changing Landscape

In a chilling revelation, the Charles County Department of Health recently announced that a coyote, collected on December 2, 2023, in the Charter Oak/Scarlett Oak vicinity, has tested positive for rabies. Adding to the urgency, another coyote with a similar...

Navigating the Suburban Wilderness: Challenges of Foxes, Raccoons, and Coyotes in Maryland

Let's take a thin-slice look at a small section of Maryland. Over the past decade, the rapid development of a 25,265-acre parcel of land between the 495 Beltway, Route 4, Route 301, and Route 50 has had profound effects on the local ecosystem. The conversion of 3,585...

Unraveling Common Misconceptions and Understanding the Benefits of Trapping Furbearers

Misconceptions Trapping, often a misunderstood practice, has been surrounded by misconceptions that overshadow its benefits for both humans and furbearing animals. In this exploration, we delve into the common misunderstandings about trapping and shed light on...

Mange Mites and the Bittersweet Symphony of Trapping: A Deep Dive into the Emotional Connection Between Trappers and Nature’s Call

The haunting specter of mange mites casts a shadow over the natural world, affecting wild animals in ways that evoke a sense of sorrow and compassion. Trappers, often depicted as stoic figures in the wild, find themselves entwined in a complex dance with nature as...

The Importance of Ethical Trapping in Wildlife Management: Protecting Our Eco-System and Heritage

What do wild animals have to do with you or your business? Everything. Our country is home to an estimated 166 species of endangered and threatened wildlife. These animals need help -- and managing their populations is crucial for the survival of many species....

Rising Rabies Threat: The Urgency of Trapping to Safeguard Charles County

In a recent alert issued by the Charles County Department of Health, a concerning surge in rabies cases has been reported, sending shockwaves through the community. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, with one raccoon testing positive for rabies on...

Trapping Through Time: A Primal Connection to the Wild

Trapping, a timeless practice etched into the very fabric of human history, transcends the conventional understanding of capturing animals for fur. It embodies a profound connection to the wild that goes beyond the tangible, tapping into an evolutionary draw that has...

Rabies Alert in Woodland Beach: Navigating the Dangers and Benefits of Trapping

September 21, 2023, marked a pivotal moment for the tranquil community of Woodland Beach in Edgewater, Maryland, when the Anne Arundel County Department of Health uncovered a disturbing truth. In the 1500 block of Mayfield Road, a raccoon discovered just two days...

Navigating the Capitol Hill Fox Crisis: Ethical Trapping as the Crucial Balance

In April 2022, Capitol Hill, Washington DC, found itself at the center of an unusual and concerning event when a rapid fox bit nine people, igniting a discourse on the intricate challenges arising from habitat loss. This incident sheds light on the pressing need for...

Maryland’s Beavers: Managing Populations for Ecosystem Harmony

In Maryland, where the waterways whisper tales of nature's intricacies, the beaver plays a pivotal role. These industrious creatures, sculptors of ecosystems, find themselves at the heart of a complex environmental debate. The management of beaver populations through...

In the Shadow of the Coyote: Balancing Maryland’s Ecosystem Through Trapping

The coyote, a creature as elusive as it is cunning, has found its way into the heart of Maryland's wilderness. Once confined to the desolate plains and rugged mountains of the West, these adaptable beings have spread their reach, now calling the varied landscapes of...

The Art and Science of Fisher Management in Maryland: Balancing the Ecosystem

Subtle Dances in the Maryland Woods: Understanding Fisher Management In the dense forests and rolling hills of Maryland, a creature known as the fisher makes its quiet, elusive way. But behind its secret life, a tale of balance, survival, and coexistence unfolds. It's...

In the Shadows of Maryland: The Grey Fox and the Role of Trapping

The Grey Fox in Maryland: An Overview In the heart of Maryland, the grey fox, a creature of both beauty and cunning, navigates the landscape. This species, unique in its tree-climbing abilities, plays a significant role in the local ecosystem. However, their...

The Long-Tailed Weasel and the Art of Balanced Coexistence

A Glimpse into the Life of Maryland's Elusive Weasel In the lands of Maryland, where forests whisper and streams glisten, dwells an often unseen but significant creature - the long-tailed weasel. With a slender body and an insatiable appetite, this little carnivore...

Mink in Maryland: Trapping as a Tool for Ecosystem Balance and Conflict Reduction

The Growing Mink Population in Maryland In the lush landscapes of Maryland, the mink, a small yet significant creature, has been a subject of both admiration and concern. The state, known for its diverse wildlife, has observed a noticeable increase in the mink...

Muskrats in Maryland: Balancing Ecosystems and Reducing Conflict Through Trapping

In the heart of Maryland, the muskrat, a robust, water-loving rodent, has long been a native inhabitant. Their presence, though often unnoticed, plays a significant role in the state's diverse ecosystems. This article aims to shed light on the importance of trapping...

In the Marshlands of Maryland: The Quiet Struggle Against Nutria

The Nutria Invasion: A Glimpse into Maryland's Marshlands The nutria, a large, web-footed rodent, found its way to the marshlands of Maryland, a place far from its native South America. In these parts, the nutria's presence is as inconspicuous as a shadow at dusk, yet...

In Harmony with Nature: The Role of Trapping in Balancing Maryland’s Opossum Population

The Necessity of Opossum Management in Maryland In the heart of Maryland's diverse ecosystems, the opossum plays a unique role. Known for their solitary and nocturnal habits, these creatures are often misunderstood. Yet, managing their population is crucial for...

Navigating Maryland’s Raccoon Realm: The Upside of Trapping for Ecological Harmony

Raccoon Management in Maryland: A Necessity? In the lush landscapes of Maryland, raccoons, with their masked faces and nimble hands, have become a common sight. Yet, this proliferation is not without its consequences. Raccoon management through trapping is a topic...

In the Shadows of Maryland: The Red Fox and the Necessity of Trapping

In the rolling hills and dense forests of Maryland, the red fox, a creature of cunning and beauty, roams. These foxes, with their striking red coats and bushy tails, are not just icons of Maryland's diverse wildlife but also key players in the ecological theater....

Managing Maryland’s River Otter Population Through Trapping

In Maryland, where waterways twine like threads through the landscape, the river otter plays a curious part. These sleek, frolicking creatures, symbols of aquatic vitality, have stirred a conversation as complex as the rivers they navigate. We're delving into how...

Skunks in Maryland: A Delicate Dance of Coexistence

Unraveling the Skunk Dilemma Skunks, those striped creatures of the night, have long been part of Maryland's rich tapestry of wildlife. In the moonlit gardens and under the starry skies, they scuttle, forage, and live out their nocturnal lives. But their presence...

Navigating the Rabid Coyote Incident: Urbanization, Wildlife Management, and the Role of Ethical Trapping

In the quiet suburban streets of Baltimore County, Maryland, an unsuspecting man and his dog became the victims of an extraordinary encounter in October 2021 – an attack by a rabid coyote. This incident serves as a poignant illustration of the intricate challenges...

The Howl of Crisis: Unraveling the Rockville Coyote Attacks and the Ethical Path to Predator Control.

In the quiet streets of Rockville, Maryland, a chilling event unfolded in October 2020, leaving residents in shock and raising questions about the delicate balance between human expansion and wildlife management. The attack by a rabid coyote attacked three individuals...

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