In the late 1980s, Truth About Fur senior researcher Alan Herscovici (second from left) spent time in a Louisiana bayou with Cajun muskrat trappers. Alan was raised in a fur family. His grandfather came to Canada in 1913 as a young fur artisan, having learned the craft from his own father in Paris. Alan’s father was a respected Canadian fur manufacturer and sales agent. After receiving his BA from McGill University and an MA from the University of Sussex, Alan worked as a writer, freelance journalist and communications consultant. Alan’s published work includes the award-winning Second Nature: The Animal-Rights Controversy (CBC, 1985; General Publishing, 1991), the first book to present a balanced critique of the animal-rights philosophy from an environmental and social justice perspective. From 1997 to 2016, he served as Executive Vice-President of the Fur Council of Canada where he initiated pioneering programs to increase understanding and appreciation of the fur trade including, notably, www.Furisgreen.com. This photo is featured in Alan's blog post Adventures of a pro-fur warrior, September 22, 2017.

This video has been produced by the Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec, and provides an overview of modern trapping, including the development of modern traps, how trapping is regulated, and the importance of training courses for trappers. A transcript follows: For centuries, trapping has allowed us to promote the natural beauty and the incomparable qualities of wild fur. Over the years, techniques have evolved greatly. Today, traps used in Canada are certified to meet the International Humane Trapping Standards. Intensive research involving veterinarians has led to the development of trap types that, depending on the situation, cause the least injury possible, or ensure death within a few seconds for the animals concerned. Trapping is a highly regulated activity, based on the sustainable and responsible use of an abundant and renewable resource. Regulated trapping seasons and the careful monitoring of fur harvests ensure the sustainable use of wildlife while providing quality furs. To receive their trapping permits trappers must complete courses to learn to use the most modern methods while respecting wildlife and the conservation of natural habitats. Naturally, trappers value the fur of animals they capture, but the meat and other parts are also used. Trapping even facilitates the reintroduction of animals that were previously depleted, and also helps to protect endangered species such as woodland caribou, by controlling predators including bears, coyotes and wolves. The Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec is proud to promote the benefits of trapping, and the use of fur, a high-quality, renewable resource.

I did not grow up in a trapping family, and came to it with very little knowledge and a lot of naivety. I didn't know a martin from a mink, and still have trouble identifying fur. My first taste of the world of trapping happened when I met my husband to be, a trapper. I feel a certain sense of honor to be counted among those who are preserving this "heritage of the bush" for future generations. Alberta trappers are successful stewards of the land and demonstrate a commitment to preserving this way of life, which has been practiced since before the birth of this great nation, we call Canada.  In learning to dry scrape rawhide, I found a calming rhythm while I work, and enjoy many aspects of assisting in utilizing all parts of the animals that are taken. There is a happiness and contentment comes with interacting with our environment, up close and personal. Canada's trappers have been living this life for many years and will continue to do so for years to come. - Deborah Hinter, Alberta.

This video has been produced by the Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec, and explains the vital roles modern trappers play in managing wildlife. These roles include controlling the spread of diseases such as rabies, minimising damage caused by over-populated species such as beavers, and removing animals that directly threaten humans, such as bears. A transcript follows: Trapping as practiced today ensures sound management of animal populations. The raccoon rabies control program is the perfect example of the close collaboration with the government to protect the public against epidemics such as rabies in raccoons. Since 2006, the work done has eliminated raccoon rabies in Quebec. The expertise of trappers is crucial to carry out such operations and to ensure public health and safety. Today, trappers are true professionals, and perform their work while respecting wildlife and habitats. They are very familiar with the situation in the field, and contribute to sound management of animal populations. With food sources more abundant than ever, and without sufficient predators, the populations of many species increase rapidly. It is estimated that there are one million beavers in Quebec, much more than there were during the exploration and colonisation of North America. Management through trapping allows the control of beaver populations while avoiding significant costs for society. A professional trapper is also essential for the management of animals potentially dangerous to humans. The Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec is proud to promote the benefits of trapping, and the use of fur, a high-quality, renewable resource.

Serge Larivière teaches Vivianne Lachance the basics of trapping muskrats along an agricultural drainage ditch in rural Quebec. Trapping muskrats is a great way to make pocket money for youngsters while spending time outdoors learning about nature and exercising at the same time! - 15 April 2006 in St-Agapit, Quebec Serge is a wildlife biologist, trapper, and director general of the Cree Hunters & Trappers Income Security Board. See his profile here.

I've been trapping for the past 3 years with help from my mentor and together we've put together 3 great seasons working the backwoods of Nova Scotia. I don't have a lot of traps to use, so the biggest thing I've learned is how to set a handful of good sets instead of a lot of average ones. Pictured from left to right, my mentor Todd Rafuse and myself Markus Kehoe. Hants County Nova Scotia. - Mark Kehoe

As a trapper, I realize I have a responsibility to become involved when given the opportunity. My wish is to become involved with those who are truly interested in the wellbeing of animals and the future of our effects on their habitat. I am very interested in furthering the education about Wildlife Habitat. Here I am talking to a group of University of Alberta Environmental Science students about Wildlife Habitat. My involvement includes taking responsibility to manage what is left of a dwindling habitat for some of these animals. - Ross Hinter, Trapper from Alberta. By Ross Hinter on Truth About Fur - The Blog: Wildlife control expert or trapper? Who you gonna call? January 27, 2016. Should we be trapping wolves in Canada? November 23, 2015.

As a trapper, I realize I have a responsibility to become involved when given the opportunity. My wish is to become involved with those who are truly interested in the wellbeing of animals and the future of our effects on their habitat. I am very interested in furthering the education about Wildlife Habitat. Here I am talking to a group of University of Alberta Environmental Science students about Wildlife Habitat. My involvement includes taking responsibility to manage what is left of a dwindling habitat for some of these animals. - Ross Hinter, Trapper from Alberta. By Ross Hinter on Truth About Fur - The Blog: Wildlife control expert or trapper? Who you gonna call? January 27, 2016. Should we be trapping wolves in Canada? November 23, 2015.

I spent a great amount of time with the Shuswap & Okanagan First Nations Peoples, learning valuable insights and gaining a great love and respect for the land. As a young man I had a yearning to go to the bush, following the tracks of animals and quickly became attuned to their world. As a trapper, I began doing public presentations bringing education to the public about trapping and conservation. Even the people who feel they have no part in killing animals, need to realize the greatest threat to wildlife is not trapping, it is loss of habitat. – Ross Hinter, Wildlife Conservationist & Educator, Alberta

New Brunswick trapper Randy Mersereau demonstrates a quick-killing set for raccoon. The trap is placed high on an inclined pole to protect dogs that may be attracted by the bait.

Humane-trapping advocate Neal Jotham investigates the effectiveness of AIHTS-certified traps set in the entrance tunnels of a beaver lodge, on the trap-line of Fur Institute of Canada chair Bruce Williams, near Moncton, New Brunswick, in the fall of 2000. From the Truth About Fur blog, read Neal Jotham: A life dedicated to humane trapping.

Neal presenting the inaugural Neal Jotham Award for the Advancement of Animal Welfare at the Fur Institute of Canada meeting in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, June 2015. From the Truth About Fur blog, read Neal Jotham: A life dedicated to humane trapping.