Long before Europeans arrived in North America, an active trade between the Aboriginal communities of North America existed in furs and other commodities. As the fur trade has evolved over the centuries so have trapping practices. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal trappers have adapted their practices to reflect increased knowledge and understanding of the fur trade and the species they harvest. Today, the success of Canada's fur trade is as much recognition of a centuries-old tradition of excellence as it is a modern example of the sound application of conservation principles and sustainable development.

Trapping is highly regulated by the provinces and territories and no endangered species are trapped or used in the fur industry. Under the trappers' stewardship, wildlife habitat is carefully managed to ensure healthy populations of the various species found within a specific region. As successful small business managers, trappers demonstrate good business sense by ensuring their source of revenue is never depleted due to over harvesting or poor habitat management. Furthermore, as practicing conservationists, trappers play an active role in protecting wildlife habitat from the onslaught of urban development and from excessive and non-sustainable use of renewable resources, while ensuring an economic value for the resource.

Environmentally aware consumers recognize that the trapping of fur bearers is an excellent working example of the principles of sustainable use. They are also aware that responsible trapping practices are, by definition, both well managed and humane. Through active participation in trapper education and trap research and development, the Canadian trapper has demonstrated international leadership in ensuring that the best possible methods of capture are used in the harvesting of fur bearers. While the management of a trapline is a year-round activity, the commercial trapper will capture all fur during the late fall and winter, when the fur is prime. Out-of-season trapping occurs only when measures are necessary to control problem wildlife.