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.

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.