Federal Land Trapping Ban: New Rules Prohibit Body-Gripping Traps on National Wildlife Refuges

The Refuge From Cruel Trapping Act is straightforward: it bans the use or possession of specific types of traps—called “body-gripping traps”—across most National Wildlife Refuge System lands. Think of this as a major change in how wildlife is managed on these federal properties, shifting away from certain lethal methods.

What Exactly Is Off-Limits?

If you’ve ever seen a steel-jaw trap, a snare, or a kill-type trap, those are the devices the bill targets. The law defines a “body-gripping trap” as any device designed to capture or kill wildlife by physically holding onto a part of the animal. This includes the classic, non-padded steel traps and snares. The bill is pretty clear about what isn’t banned, though: standard cage traps and the suitcase-style live beaver traps are still allowed. For anyone who previously trapped on these lands, this means a complete overhaul of their equipment and methods, or they simply can’t trap there anymore.

The Fine Print: Exceptions and Red Tape

While the ban is broad, it’s not absolute. The bill carves out a few specific exceptions, which is where things get interesting for federal agencies and specific communities. Lands in Alaska are entirely exempt, as is trapping done by members of federally recognized Indian Tribes for subsistence purposes. That means if you’re a tribal member relying on traditional methods for food, this ban doesn’t apply to you.

For federal agencies, the rules are much tighter. They can only use these traps to control invasive species or protect endangered ones, and only after they have “thoroughly explored, documented, and tried all other non-lethal methods first.” This is huge. It means the usual quick fix is off the table. Land managers now have a significant administrative hurdle—proving they tried everything else—before they can resort to lethal trapping. This adds layers of required paperwork and process, which could slow down necessary wildlife control efforts.

Penalties That Will Make Your Wallet Hurt

This bill doesn’t mess around with enforcement. If you’re caught with or using a banned trap on refuge land, you could face a civil penalty of up to $500 for each trap, each time you use it. On top of that, you could face up to 180 days in jail, and you’ll lose the trap and any wildlife caught in it. This isn't just a slap on the wrist; it’s a serious penalty that could financially devastate a recreational trapper or someone relying on the activity for supplemental income. Furthermore, the Secretary of the Interior is required to adjust that $500 fine annually for inflation, so the cost of non-compliance will only go up over time.

The Bottom Line for Busy People

For the average person visiting a National Wildlife Refuge, this bill means the wildlife they see will be protected from these specific, often criticized, lethal traps. For those who manage these lands or rely on trapping, it means a significant change in operating procedure. The biggest takeaway is the new mandate for federal agencies to prioritize non-lethal methods. If you’re a land manager, you’re now spending more time documenting why you can’t use a cage trap before you can deploy a lethal one. For everyone else, it’s a clear signal that the government is tightening regulations on animal welfare on federal lands, backed by some very stiff fines.