In 1996, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies began one of the most ambitious research projects to develop a program to develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) for regulated trapping. The program aims to evaluate animal welfare, identify efficient tools and techniques, and develop recommendations for state fish and wildlife agencies to consider as an element of their wildlife management programs.
Experts from all 50 state fish and wildlife agencies, federal wildlife agencies, state and national trapping associations and other conservation groups that care about the environment, natural resources and animal welfare are working together to improve and modernize the technology of trapping through scientific research.
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BMPs are intended to inform people about traps and trapping systems considered to be state-of-the-art in animal welfare and efficiency.
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The BMPs explain how some existing traps can be modified (where necessary) to enhance animal welfare.
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The use of BMPs by trappers is important for furbearer management programs across the United States.