Fur trapper
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A fur trapper is a person whose occupation involved the trapping of animals for their fur. It was a popular trade particularly in the early days of the settlement of North America. Many locations at which trading took place were referred to as trading posts.
Trapping continues to be a profession although few if any people make a full-time living from it. Competition from farm-raised animals and low populations of wild animals have made trapping a minor industry. Some species have collapsed to such an extent that havesting them is not allowed in some locations. This is especially true of predator species such as lynx and bobcat which had smaller original populations than prey species like rabbit.
Pressure from animal rights groups has led to restrictions on trapping, especially on the use of leg hold traps.
Popular quarry of fur trappers are beaver, and also mink, ermine, pine marten and muskrat.
Fur-bearing animals are also taken by clubbing, especially for seals and by gun, especially for large animals like bear.