Living on the land, trappers are our “eyes and ears” on the land. Because they depend on nature, they have a direct interest in protecting it; they are the first to sound the alarm when wildlife habitat is threatened by pollution or poorly planned development projects. They are true “practicing conservationists”

Aboriginal (and many non-aboriginal) trappers hunt beaver and other fur animals for food. Fur provides important income in regions where alternative employment opportunities are scarce. Trapping beaver, muskrat and other animals provides trappers with food and money for new equipment and supplies needed to maintain a land-based life. Meat not eaten by trappers and their families is returned to the forest to feed other animals through the long, cold winter. Nothing is wasted

Because the major fur auction companies are now owned by the fur farmers and trappers themselves, in both North America and Europe, producers receive full value for their furs. Prices are established by supply and demand as fur manufacturers and brokers from around the world compete for the limited supply of furs available each year.

Fur farming helps to maintain rural communities, at a time when efficient modern agriculture is reducing farming populations in many regions.

The fur trade also maintains centuries-old craft traditions: each fur garment is individually cut and sewn by skilled artisans. The men and women of the North American fur trade are proud of the skills and traditions they maintain.