Alaska Trapping
Trapping has a long heritage in Alaska, and like hunting in Alaska, is considered a way of life and a method of obtaining food for many. Native Americans in Alaska have for thousands of years used the fur and skin of animals to stay warm, and many still do. However, contrary to the furry coats sold in department stores, natives wore their coats fur side in, skin side out, using the fur as insulation against extreme cold temperatures, especially in the Arctic. While trapping in the past led to the rapid decline of some species (such as fur seals by the Russian fur trade), trapping in Alaska today is carefully regulated to control species decline.
Current regulations call for trappers to concentrate harvests in areas where there is an overabundance of the animal they seek to trap. A license is required of residents and non-residents alike, and the license can be purchased in combination with Alaska hunting and sport fishing licenses. Beyond the license, you may need special permits for trapping some furbearers, and you will certainly need a permit if you are going to export raw furs out of state. Complete trapping regulations can be found here: http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/regulations/pdfs/trapping.pdf
Trapping of the following animals is allowed in Alaska:
Arctic fox - abundant in many areas, numbers not affected by trapping
Beaver - highly prized fur used in winter clothing
Coyote - few harvested by trappers
Lynx - highly valued coat is putting pressure on regulators to limit trapping
Marten - related to the mink, abundant and widespread
Mink - value of fur fluctuates, trapping takes stamina
Weasel - trapped for its white winter fur, ermine
Marmot - trapped for both meat and fur
Muskrat - trappers take muskrat before the ice breakup in spring
Red fox - a cunning prey that presents a challenge for trappers
River otter - trappers take them in steep riverbank traps
Squirrels - trapped for both fur and meat, which is good
Wolf - considered a big game animal, and strictly limited
Wolverine - carefully controlled through bag limits