Trapping is essential to modern scientific wildlife management.
The NMTA is dedicated to protecting regulated trapping as a wildlife management tool as well as a valuable and enjoyable outdoor activity for thousands of New Mexicans.
Trapping is highly regulated by NM Game and Fish and the trapping laws are strictly enforced by conservation officers across the state.
Trapping benefits many wildlife species through the management of predators, allowing upland birds like quail and pheasants, waterfowl like ducks and geese and big game species like mule deer, elk, and pronghorn to raise more young.
Trapping benefits the public by reducing wildlife/human conflicts like beaver dams flooding roadways or homes and removing urban species like racoon from residences where they cause damage and can pose a human health hazard.
Trapping benefits livestock producers and farmers by controlling furbearers that damage crops like pumpkins, watermelon, chili and corn or kill livestock like sheep, cattle, goats or chickens.
Trapping benefits homeowners by allowing for problem animals like skunks, raccoons and coyotes to be safely and humanely captured and removed from their neighborhoods, homes or property.
Trappers use furbearers as clothing, food or other useful products, giving these amazing animals value rather than becoming viewed as vermin and being wasted.