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If so, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' new
website on furbearers at
http://dnr.state.il.us/orc/wildlife. The “Fur Hunting and
Trapping in Illinois” website takes a closer look at these
activities and what they mean to the people and wildlife of
Illinois.
Hunting, trapping and the use of fur are sometimes controversial,
and discussing the issues may involve misinformation and
misunderstanding on both sides. The new website addresses those
concerns.
The website also focuses on surprising and little-known benefits of
hunting and trapping.
“Some people think hunting and trapping are strictly recreational,
but each can aid society by controlling wildlife that transmit
disease or cause damage to property,” said Bob Bluett, wildlife
diversity biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources.
“There are more than 20,000 fur hunters and trappers in Illinois.
However, as Illinois becomes more urban, fewer people hunt and trap
-- or know people who do. This website provides valuable resources
for teachers, homeowners and citizens who might not be familiar with
hunting and trapping and want more information,” Bluett said.
“Illinois hunters and trappers can visit the website to see how
their participation and passion play into the bigger picture of
conservation and community.”
The website offers furbearer photos, facts and resources including
sections about how:
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Hunting and trapping are highly
controlled through strict, scientifically based policies and
regulations, which are set by the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources and enforced by Illinois conservation police officers.
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Hunting and trapping are allowed
only for abundant wildlife. These activities are allowed only to
harvest animals that are abundant. Hunting and trapping do not cause
wildlife to become endangered.
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Hunting and trapping benefit
people and ecology. Regulated hunting and trapping help maintain a
balance in an increasingly urban society, where wildlife and people
come together more often. This especially is true in managing public
health issues due to diseases that wildlife can transmit or in
controlling property damage that wildlife can cause.
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Education programs, rules and
standards improve hunting and trapping. The Illinois Department of
Natural Resources continually reviews and develops rules,
regulations, standards and education programs to ensure that hunting
and trapping are as humane as possible.
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Hunters
and trappers care about wildlife conservation. Through license fees
and special taxes, hunters and trappers contribute more than $16
million annually to help pay for wildlife conservation. These
contributions aid anyone who enjoys nature. Hunters and trappers
support and follow wildlife laws and regulations because they care
about the welfare of wildlife.
In addition, the website provides:
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The “Illinois Hunting and Trapping
Quiz” -- a fun, interactive way to test your knowledge
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Publications and educational
materials, including how to order the free video and quantities of
the brochure, each entitled “Fur Hunting and Trapping in Illinois”
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Additional links to websites about
wildlife damage control, wildlife and public health issues,
furbearers, and hunting and trapping
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News releases --- the latest news
about furbearers and trapping in Illinois
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A free image library of furbearers
and other high-resolution pictures that anyone can download and use
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Information about mandatory education and safety courses related to
hunting and trapping, including the “Trapper Education Student
Manual”
"Schoolteachers will find useful resources for discussing natural
history and science with their students,” Bluett said. “We encourage
teachers to use the website in their classrooms. They also can order
a copy of the video and quantities of the brochure ‘Fur Hunting and
Trapping in Illinois' for their students.”
In addition
to visiting the website, at
http://dnr.state.il.us/orc/wildlife, order the free video and
brochure by contacting Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Clearinghouse, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL
62702-1271; (217) 782-7498;
clearing@dnrmail.state.il.us.
[Illinois
Department of Natural Resources
news release] |
