Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS) and Certified Traps

The Agreement on International Humane Trapping (AIHTS) sets minimum standards for trapping furbearers, including nine Yukon species: beaver, coyote, ermine/weasel, fisher, lynx, marten, muskrat, otter and wolf.

Regulations under the Yukon's Wildlife Act bring trap use in line with the AIHTS agreement, requiring that, as of October 1, 2007, trappers use only those trap models which have been certified.

The Agreement (AIHTS) has a three phase implementation.

Phase 1
Previously certified traps will be required by regulation as of October 1, 2007. For species not listed, trappers may continue to use traps meeting the requirements set out in the Yukon Wildlife Act. (See "Trapping Devices" pages 8-9 in the Trapping Regulations Summary.)

Phase 2
When a sufficient number of killing trap models are certified and available for otter (underwater), weasel/ermine, and lynx; and restraining traps for coyote and wolf, they will be required by regulation. Three years’ notice of any change will be given for each species.

Phase 3
The addition of cage and box traps in the future.

In Canada, the trap testing program is administered by the Fur Institute of Canada, but it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to have their traps certified. When a trap model is certified, the manufacturer will stamp the certification number on all new traps of that make and model. Identical traps manufactured before certification are legal to use as well.

Trappers who plan to buy new traps for any species should consult the list before making a purchase. You can obtain the list of traps in all 3 phases by contacting the:

• Fur Harvest Technician at Environment Yukon,
• Yukon Trappers Association, or
• Fur Institute of Canada’s website at www.fur.ca.