History and Importance of Fur Trapping

The economic and cultural importance of fur trapping is significant to North American history. When Europeans first came to the continent, Indigenous Peoples had been trapping furbearing animals for thousands of years. These animals were used for a variety of purposes including food, clothing, and spiritual practices. The European trade in North American fur started in the 1600s, shortly after the first settlements were founded. In fact, the fur trade was an important tool for early colonists to pay off the large debts they owed to investors back in Europe. Soon trading posts were established across coastal New England primarily for trading fur, resulting in major cities still standing today. The fur trade helped to fund the development of the colonies, and later the newly formed United States. Wars fought for access to furbearers had long lasting effects on tribal power, land ownership, and the economies of Europe. This influential trade lasted some 250 years before petering out in the mid to late 1800s due in part to a change in European fashion and unregulated over harvest of furbearing animals. While the major trade of furs has ended, legal regulated fur trapping is still practiced all over the US including Rhode Island. The regulations pertaining to fur trapping are carefully written by biologists working for the state. These regulations are designed to keep trappers and others safe, reduce animal suffering, and limit harvest of certain species. Rhode Island is home to several iconic North American furbearers like mink, muskrat, and raccoon. Animals like the North American beaver have made a tremendous comeback, and again occupy much of their historic range in Rhode Island’s watersheds. Beaver can be used for several resources including food, and clothing. The fur is waterproof and extremely warm, making beaver perfect for gloves, coats, and felted hats. Beaver castor, a substance produced by specialized glands near their back end, can be used in perfume and as a vanilla substitute in baking.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is devoted to the continuation of legal regulated fur trapping in Rhode Island. Our efforts this past fall and winter included a beginner’s fur trapping course, Fur Trapping 101, taken in person by a group of hopeful new trappers. We spent a productive Saturday in September learning about the history of trapping in North America, biology of furbearing animals, trap types, trapping regulations and safety. Fur Trapping 101, is required to take the Fur Trapping 201 course. Fur Trapping 201 has new trappers teamed up with mentors to set several types of traps, check traps, and prepare any animals caught for sale and/or consumption. Fur trapping is an excellent activity to spend more time outdoors, harvest food in a sustainable way, and connect with your community. Keep an eye out for more fur trapping courses offered by DFW at dem.ri.gov/outdoored.