Minister's Message

This past season, Manitoba trappers experienced both the highs and the lows of this traditional practice. On one hand, the low price realized for beaver pelts frustrated many people while at the same time, the abundance of marten, and the fact that its price did not decline as severely, pleased many trappers. I know that trappers understand this type of market cycle situation and the importance of remaining active on the land, helping to manage fur bearers, when these fluctuations occur.

Trappers know well, and hope that society in general appreciates that trapping contributes to the rural economy through the many facets of the fur industry and also provides the service of helping to control problem wildlife species such as beaver, coyotes and wolves. We all pay a price when municipal governments must re-build roads washed out due to beaver dam flooding or when Manitoba compensates for sheep taken by coyotes. Active trapping helps manage the population of these species and, as a result, reduces damages caused by problem wildlife. I encourage landowners to continue working with municipal authorities to protect property and to allow trappers onto your land to trap problem furbearers.

I greatly admire those for whom trapping is a chosen part of their lifestyle. I would like also to recognize the importance of trapping in the culture of many Manitobans. Furbearer management is a skill, an art and a specialized profession. I wish Manitoba’s professional trappers all the best for the coming season and look forward to working with you to improve life in our province.

Stan Struthers
Conservation Minister