On April 21, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is hosting its annual Discover Wild N.H. Day. During this event the department showcases a dying recreational activity, furbearer trapping.

Recreational by definition denotes activity done for enjoyment. Indeed, New Hampshire trappers truly enjoy what they do. They discuss it on their social media sites and trapping forums with vigor and excitement. They describe checking their traplines as akin to “being a kid on Christmas morning.” They will defend their activities by shouting words like “conservation,” “management tool,” “necessary” and “humane.” Do not be fooled, none of those words truly pertains to recreational trapping.

Wild animals in New Hampshire have the least amount of protection by law. They are viewed by the government as resources and commodities to be harvested.

Now Fish and Game of course wants to put out…