Recently , the FIC - Fur Institute of Canada - was finally able to build a lab-analysis/computer-model for testing coyote traps. In past years the only way to pass a coyote trap was to undergo an elaborate field capture test, capturing in excess of 20 coyotes with complete data collection, then subjecting the specimens collected to a full necropsy and from there according to injuries, passing or failing a trap based upon the results. Numerous traps were tested in past years with the hopes of creating a model to test trap and either pass or fail according to their mechanical attributes. I believe that model/protocol was created in the fall of 2023 and thus we are now able to have traps subjected to analysis and passed accordingly. In the spring of 2024, the FIC offered trap manufacturers, retailers, trapper associations and other interested parties a special offer to submit coyote traps for testing at a rate of $700 per trap type rather than the usual $2500 per trap model rate.
Numerous trappers have donated to a private fundraiser on Go-Fund-Me for the purpose. As well, most trapper associations were contacted of which most donated. We used the Alberta Trappers Association for additional fundraising to bypass the Go-Fund-Me charges which honestly were very reasonable, thus the differing trapper associations submitted funds to the ATA, whom will submit funds directly to the FIC.
We are able to test ten traps in this fiscal year, and it appears that we will be able to submit more models in the 2025 fiscal year as well. We are not limited to submitting coyote traps only, but are also able to submit more wolf traps under the same offer of $700 per trap model.
Sadly we are not able to submit traps for lynx or bobcat as a testing protocol has not yet been established to do so. I highly recommend trappers to contact the FIC directly and ask for this work to be done. It would be very advantageous if the traps being submitted that pass for coyote in 2024 and 2025 could also be considered for lynx and bobcat without re-submission based on the mechanical analysis during the coyote trap tests. It seemed in past years that there was a heavy bias against testing restraining traps for lynx and bobcat, and due to the fact that we can scientifically prove that our traps are humane according to ISO standards, there is no reason whatsoever to not have a lynx and bobcat restraining trap protocol established.
There is a newly intensified need to have new restraining traps legalized for all species as Victor/Woodstream no longer manufactures steel traps.
In the 2024 fiscal year, we are submitting the following traps:
- Bridger #3 Four coiled w factory offset, double laminated w 3/16" rod top and 1/4" rod below
- Bridger #2 Four Coiled w Factory offset, double laminated w 3/16" rod on top and 1/4" rod below
- No-BS Coyote X-treme, offset with four coils, double laminated 1/4" on top and 3/16" below
- No-BS Coyote X-treme Jr, offset with four coils, double laminated 1/4" on top and 3/16" below
- NO-BS Coyote X-treme, four coil with padded jaws
- NO-BS Coyote X-treme JR, four coil w padded jaws
- Bridger #3 Dogless, offset, four coil, double laminated with 3/16" + 1/4" rods and/or strips
- Bridger #2 Dogless, offset, four coil, double laminated with 3/16" + 1/4" rods and/or strips
- Bridger #3 four coiled, Padded
- Bridger #2 four coiled, Padded
In the event that one or more traps are not accepted under the existing FIC protocols, others will be submitted.
Current protocols: coyote traps must have an established spring strength, steel jaw traps must have a face width of 15.0 mm, padded traps must have a face width of 10.0 mm, among other attributes.