28 FUR FACTS 



The old methods, of course, have long since vanished from the 

 fur industry; but the salient point to note is that the fur industry 

 is a big industry and that from a very small beginning it has m- 

 creased to the immense proportions of today. That there is stabil- 

 ity and a sound foundation can not be contested for the proof lies 

 in the centuries of success it has enjoyed, that the market for furs 

 has been continuously open, and that an even heavier demand may 

 be looked for in the years to come. 



The trapper is the real backbone of the trade, for it rests on him 

 to supply the immense quantity of furs required by the trade. 



What is Fur Conservation 



Many farmers when they hear the words "conservation" or 

 "protection" mentioned, instantly asstmie a defensive position, under 

 the assumption that they and their interests are being attacked. 

 They consider that fur conservation means restricted trapping, 

 smaller catches, smaller profits. 



I It is true that trapping and game legislation can be over4one. 

 A law which is inflexible may often do more harm than good. But 

 conservation does not necessarily mean legislation. There are other 

 means for effective fur conservation besides law. If the trapper 

 himself will realize that by sane methods of conservation he is pro- 

 tecting his own wealth, insuring himself bigger catches each year, 

 and helping to stabilize the trapping industry, there will be little 

 need for protective laws. In fact, the trapper can do'^more than 

 the state or county to protect the fur-bearers in his section. 



Great harm is done to the fur crop by poisoning and wholesale 

 killing and unless the trapper will assume the duty of protection 

 considerable damage will be done to the fur supply. Most trappers 

 know when animals in their neighborhood begin to breed. 



Take care to preserve the dens, holes, water houses, etc., of the 

 animals in your section. As far as you can, keep their haunts nat- 

 ural and undisturbed. Never trap females, kits and immature 

 animals, if you can help it, either in season or out. Work together 

 with your trapper friends in the interest of conservation. Form 

 some kind of a mutual agreement to protect the fur-bearers. 



Most important, convince yourself that conservation benefits you 

 more than any other individual. It will help make trapping a per- 

 manent occupation, render you bigger profits each year, and will 

 help to standardize the fur supply and the fur market. 



