Is it legal to use body-gripping traps for recreation or commerce in fur?

The use of body-gripping traps for recreation or commerce in fur is considered unlawful in California. This regulation is in place primarily due to concerns regarding animal welfare and the impact on wildlife populations. Body-gripping traps are often viewed as inhumane because they can cause suffering to trapped animals, leading to a broader legislative response to protect wildlife and ensure humane treatment.

Many restrictions exist around the types of traps that can be used, and body-gripping traps are generally prohibited to minimize the risk of indiscriminate capture and ensure that trapping practices align with conservation goals. This reinforces the state's commitment to maintaining sustainable wildlife populations and protecting species that may be vulnerable to over-trapping or inhumane practices.

Permits, private property considerations, and seasons are specific to other aspects of wildlife management and trapping regulations, but they do not apply to body-gripping traps in the context of recreation or commercial fur trapping in California.