One of the primary
rules of Wildlife Management is to harvest or utilize natural resources. Trapping is an
accepted and selective management tool for this harvest. In many cases, trapping is the
only means we have of providing a proper harvest of our furbearing animals.
A well conducted harvest of furbearers ensures a healthy and stable
population of these animals while allowing South Dakotans to benefit financially from the
sales of these valuable furs. A well conducted harvest assists farmers and ranchers by
controlling nuisance animals before they have an opportunity to damage livestock, poultry,
crops or personal property. A well conducted harvest also assists in the control of
predatory animals, thereby benefiting pheasants, waterfowl, and other upland game species
in areas of diminishing habitat.