HR1928: HR1928 The importance of regulated trapping; commend

26 LC 112 4041 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.1 WHEREAS, regulated trapping has long served as a vital and scientifically grounded tool for2 wildlife conservation and management, enabling state, federal, and tribal agencies to3 maintain balanced ecosystems, control predator populations, and protect critical habitats4 essential for biodiversity and species recovery; and5 WHEREAS, trapping plays a pivotal role in furbearer management by protecting endangered6 and vulnerable species during key life-cycle stages, such as gr ound-nesting birds and sea7 turtles, while facilitating the successful reintroduction of po pulations like river otter and8 beaver, thereby promoting healthy wildlife communities across diverse landscapes; and9 WHEREAS, through targeted predator management, trapping signifi cantly enhances10 waterfowl production in high-density breeding areas, where it r educes predation on duck11 eggs by species such as raccoons and skunks, boosting nest success rates from as low as 5-1012 percent to the 15-20 percent threshold needed for stable populations, ultimately increasing13 duck numbers by tens of thousands and restoring natural breeding potential; and14 H. R. 1928 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4041 WHEREAS, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes trapping as an integral15 component of integrated pest management on national wildlife re fuges, regulated under16 federal laws to sustainably manage wildlife populations, eradicate invasive species, control17 pests, and safeguard refuge infrastructure while ensuring compliance with state licensing and18 humane standards to include trapping of feral wild pig populations across 35 states that inflict19 $2.5 billion in damages; and20 WHEREAS, according to the 2024 Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' trapping21 survey, regulated private trapping subsidizes nuisance control—preventing escalated damage22 and avoiding higher expenses for taxpayers, saving $16.5 million dollars on average; and23 WHEREAS, trapping provides essential benefits including disease control, economic value24 through fur harvesting, prevention of costly damage like beaver -induced flooding, and25 effective population regulation of overabundant species to prev ent habitat degradation26 supporting native wildlife recovery; and27 WHEREAS, only abundant wildlife species are subject to regulated trapping seasons under28 scientifically based laws that monitor populations while also p roviding education and29 licensing programs (if applicable to the state) to foster ethical practices among participants,30 reflecting widespread public support for trapping as a responsi ble stewardship of natural31 resources; and32 WHEREAS, according to the most recent data from the United Stat es Fish and Wildlife33 Service, trappers contribute $884 million in GDP from related spending on the national level.34 H. R. 1928 - 2 - 26 LC 112 4041 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35 the members of this body recognize regulated trapping as an essential, humane, and effective36 component of modern wildlife management and conservation.37 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized38 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the39 public and the press.40 H. R. 1928 - 3 -