Administration/Management of Trapping in Alberta being transferred to biology division of ESRD.

[uke hunter]

Hey guys,

Was in the F&W office last week registering some furs and found out some interesting information. The F&W officer told me that effective June 1st, 2015, the administrative/management duties of all trapping activities will be under the biology division of ESRD (as opposed to F&W currently). F&W will only be responsible for the enforcement of the laws and regulations governing trapping activities but will no longer be involved in the administration/management of them. In fact, while I was registering my furs, the F&W officer went and got the biologist who will be taking over for him and showed her how to register furs. He stated that the transition has already begun will full turnover by June 1st of next year.

Question now becomes......how will this transition to a different division affect our trapping activities? The biologist stated that as part of the new system, trapline management plans will be required (don't know when it will be implemented though). She stated that ESRD is currently working with the ATA (sample of the management plan is posted on the ATA website) on developing and implementing the new management plans (glad to hear this as opposed to a government agency coming up with what they think is important to trappers).

Just some food for thought as I thought I would share what I was told.

Safe trapping!

[Typical]

I heard the same thing, and the person I was talking to told me that part of the enforcement will be making sure that trappers that have a registered trapline and not actually trapping will loose their trapline.
Well I think that it's about time, and also mean that the price of trapline will be much lower compare of what they are today.
It's the same reason why they give out permits to harvest trees or oil, if you get a permit and sit on it or use it for other purpose then your permit gets cancel and it is given to somebody else.
Excellent
That will help trappers like myself that are trying to get a trapline for years and can not afford one as the prices are absurd.

[mark-edmonton]

Not sure how this will affect the trapline prices? People will still be able to charge for what they deem as improvements and equipment. Hopefully you are right! Perhaps a standard price per township !

[Typical]

Some prices are fair, but I seen one township without anything on it for 80,000 that is way too much, those people think they own the land.

[HunterDave]

With this and the requirement to take a formal Trappers course starting in January, it appears to me that the government is starting to pay more attention to trapping in Alberta.

[Torkdiesel]

Originally Posted by Typical

Well I think that it's about time, and also mean that the price of trapline will be much lower compare of what they are today.

You're dreaming if you actually believe this ^^^^^

The price of traplines will drop as soon as land, houses and groceries go down in price, until then they will continue to rise. Supply and demand is how the world works, that's it.


As for the biologist taking over and forcing guys to utilize inactive traplines I think it's a great thing if they could actually make it happen. If nothing else it should create some opportunities for guys looking for junior partnerships.

[bill9044]

Please let's not get into the $$ for trapline debate again. I hope the enforcement is stepped up so unused lines get a chance at someone managing it. But IMO every time the government gets their mits on something they usually find away to screw it up. Let's hope not.

[Marten1576]

Originally Posted by Typical

I heard the same thing, and the person I was talking to told me that part of the enforcement will be making sure that trappers that have a registered trapline and not actually trapping will loose their trapline.
Well I think that it's about time, and also mean that the price of trapline will be much lower compare of what they are today.
It's the same reason why they give out permits to harvest trees or oil, if you get a permit and sit on it or use it for other purpose then your permit gets cancel and it is given to somebody else.
Excellent
That will help trappers like myself that are trying to get a trapline for years and can not afford one as the prices are absurd.

I find this hard to believe they would take away a Trapline . As it sits now no law exists that you have to trap a given amount.

Reminds me of the trap cabin policy they want you to believe it is the law yet when I ask where can I find it in the law books they can't answer. Wtf

[bullgetter]

When I first started trapping 9 years ago there was a lot of talk about the cabin policy. I have yet to see any actual document about this policy. No one with the government can give you a straight answer. Around and around it contiues to go. Another thing that goes nowhere was the active trapper definition. The idea was to be considered an active trapper of a registered line you would have to trap X amount of animals and make X amount of money if you wanted to keep your line. Again this has gone nowhere. I think a big problem is the constant cabinet shuffles with this government. I was in fish and wildlife on Monday and was told by the biologist they are now responsible for the trap lines. I don't know if it really matters I just hope when I go in during regular business hours there is someone there that can help with trap line matters. It seems everyone is always confused on the procedures.

[sourdough doug]

Originally Posted by Torkdiesel

As for the biologist taking over and forcing guys to utilize inactive traplines I think it's a great thing if they could actually make it happen. If nothing else it should create some opportunities for guys looking for junior partnerships.

I know of dozens of lines that have not been trapped for DECADES, mind you these line are "trapped" by those who are tax exempt. Makes me wonder what another gov't agency will do about this.
Being as it is ESRD, they will do as they did when SL burnt.....dahh

[braggadoe]

Originally Posted by sourdough doug

I know of dozens of lines that have not been trapped for DECADES, mind you these line are "trapped" by those who are tax exempt. Makes me wonder what another gov't agency will do about this.
Being as it is ESRD, they will do as they did when SL burnt.....dahh

in several other provinces, the "tax exempt" crowd gets "first right of refusal" on all rfma transfers and renewals. this is all relatively new. and they are utilizing it.

not sure how this is shaping up in alberta. but its a BIG time nightmare for rfma holders.

[mark-edmonton]

How so? How does this affect rmfa owners?

[braggadoe]

if they want it, they take it. or they hold up the renewals and transfers until there "conditions" are met.

[mark-edmonton]

What conditions? Proof of active trapping? I am not a rfma holder only a jr partner! Hope to have one someday!

[bill9044]

I think they are referring to status native Indians holding up the process or getting first crack at the trapline.