Wildlife, Fish and Forestry Management Mr. Melby Badger State Trapping Wildlife, Fish and Forestry Management Mr. Melby

Mouse in Glue Trap

Cat in Snare

Bear Trap?

Why Trapping? There are 7 Reasons people trap…. Economic Benefit The Challenge Recreation For Aesthetics…they enjoy the appearance of fur products….

Why Trapping? Heritage/It’s Tradition Damage Control/ Conservation Responsibility

In the beginning… History of WI Trapping… North America was explored and settled partly due to the beaver furs hats & coats.

Competition Settlers in Wisconsin competed against the Native Americans

Records… Trapping records began to be recorded in the early 1600’s near Lake Michigan and the St. Lawrence River.

A lot of history No other profession comes close in longevity to the sale & trade of furs in WI. It is the oldest profession in Wisconsin!

In The 1600’s Almost all trappers were Native American But the European settlers gradually took over

Settlers and Native Americans Settlers bought and traded with the Native Americans to survive the harsh winters We didn’t have a clue!

In the 1800’s U.S. Gov’t purchased Indian Land and settlements began

Trading Settlers trading with Indians were the first commercial businesses Traded mainly for food, clothing, crops and money.

Earliest WI Traders The Earliest fur traders were the Huron, Ottawa and Winnebago Indians(Eastern WI)

Money 1667 (Great Lakes) 20-40 cents a pelt 1855 (Milwaukee) 70 cents This is a big part of our local history!