HR 1928: The importance of regulated trapping; commend

House Resolution 1928

By: Representatives Cannon of the 172nd, Corbett of the 174th, Rhodes of the 124th, Chastain of the 7th, and Dubnik of the 29th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the importance of regulated trapping; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, regulated trapping has long served as a vital and scientifically grounded tool for wildlife conservation and management, enabling state, federal, and tribal agencies to maintain balanced ecosystems, control predator populations, and protect critical habitats essential for biodiversity and species recovery; and

WHEREAS, trapping plays a pivotal role in furbearer management by protecting endangered and vulnerable species during key life-cycle stages, such as ground-nesting birds and sea turtles, while facilitating the successful reintroduction of populations like river otter and beaver, thereby promoting healthy wildlife communities across diverse landscapes; and

WHEREAS, through targeted predator management, trapping significantly enhances waterfowl production in high-density breeding areas, where it reduces predation on duck eggs by species such as raccoons and skunks, boosting nest success rates from as low as 5-10 percent to the 15-20 percent threshold needed for stable populations, ultimately increasing duck numbers by tens of thousands and restoring natural breeding potential; and

WHEREAS, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes trapping as an integral component of integrated pest management on national wildlife refuges, regulated under federal laws to sustainably manage wildlife populations, eradicate invasive species, control pests, and safeguard refuge infrastructure while ensuring compliance with state licensing and humane standards to include trapping of feral wild pig populations across 35 states that inflict $2.5 billion in damages; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2024 Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' trapping survey, regulated private trapping subsidizes nuisance control—preventing escalated damage and avoiding higher expenses for taxpayers, saving $16.5 million dollars on average; and

WHEREAS, trapping provides essential benefits including disease control, economic value through fur harvesting, prevention of costly damage like beaver-induced flooding, and effective population regulation of overabundant species to prevent habitat degradation supporting native wildlife recovery; and

WHEREAS, only abundant wildlife species are subject to regulated trapping seasons under scientifically based laws that monitor populations while also providing education and licensing programs (if applicable to the state) to foster ethical practices among participants, reflecting widespread public support for trapping as a responsible stewardship of natural resources; and

WHEREAS, according to the most recent data from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, trappers contribute $884 million in GDP from related spending on the national level.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize regulated trapping as an essential, humane, and effective component of modern wildlife management and conservation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.