Missouri Comprehensive Predator Management on Private Lands.
VOTING IS OVER
Missouri Conservation Commission who is suppose to represent the following but instead has disenfranchised.
9,000 permit trappers Missouri over 90% not represented by any group.
An estimated 313,000 family forest ownerships in Missouri are not represented by any group.
Private landowners own approximately 85% of Missouri's forested land, not represented by any group, totaling around 15.4 million acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service, and
The home to around 88,000 Missouri farms that have to do its own predator control.
Saying goodbye to my first and last Missouri 220's Conibear Bucket.
Off to Valhalla the house to warriors who died bravely in battle.
I and others tried Promote Trapping Recruitment and Retention!
OFFICIAL VOTE / COMMENT was at the Secretary of Missouri Office and from
July 2 through July 31
THANK YOU
THANK YOU! There has been dozens of people behind the scenes that help with Missouri 220’s Conibears, Snares, and Thermals
Thank you, to the dozens of MTA of members that called, emailed and message me in support and asking what you can do to help.
Thank you, Thermal Coyote Hunter for doing way more than me, pivotal role.
Thank you, to the Individual Trappers from Iowa, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin that helped me gather information, provide photos and videos and links.
Thank you, to the Houndsman for reviewing information.
Thank you, The man behind the curtain! You didn’t read that.
Thank you, Professor, your knowledge, insight, paperwork and tips about was great.
Thank you, to the out of State Biologist.
They all deserve a ton of credit for the effort taken on this.
Finally, thanks everyone that voted to support these 2 Missouri regulations changes.
Now it’s out of my hands.
It was to be decided on by Commission till September 2025 but was delayed till October 3, 2025 and with any luck it will pass. But instead the MDC Commission did not pass without announce vote totals.
Coyote hunters you will Start Jan of 2026. - Which did pass
Trappers and Landowners will never be able to use them.
Remember this! NOT 1 Anti-Hunting or Trapping Group even had this on their radar to VOTE to OPPOSE and comment, I monitored them all. Not Missouri Sierra Club, Project Coyote, HSUS, PETA, Born Free USA, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, or Coalition to Abolish Fur Trade noticed or cared about the two regulations in Missouri.
Why would they when hunters and trappers can destory themselves for FREE!
WELCOME TO THE TWILIGHT ZONE
October 3rd, 2025
WAR AGAINST MISSOURI LANDOWNERS RAGES ON.
Missouri Private Landowners
in Support of 220's on Private Land
VS
Missouri Trappers Assocation
Oppose 220's on Private Land
Jim Palmer – Ethics Committee for the MTA:
HISTORY - March 25, 2022
Missouri Trappers Assocation Opposed
Extended Trapping Season on Private Land.
Tom Westhoff - Conservation Federation Delegate for the MTA: Unethical to trap in the Spring.
Extended Trapping Season on Private Land.
Total 722 votes!
Missouri Landowners & Trappers 675 Vote in Favor.
Missouri Trappers Assocation 47 Votes Opposed.
BEWARE - MISSOURI PRIVATE LANDOWNERS THEY STILL COMING FOR YOUR TRAPPING RIGHTS UNTIL 2028!
Missouri Private Landowners beware, Missouri Trappers Association and Conservation Federation of Missouri has every intention to remove YOUR extended trapping season on YOUR property, preventing YOU from a comprehensive management of predators on YOUR property.
The Missouri Trappers Assocation has ever intention to lobby the MDC Commission to ELIMINATE the Extended Trapping Season for Private Landowners until 2028.
Conservation Federation of Missouri #2023 - 1 - 2023 Resolutions
Originating Committee: Big Game, Turkey, and Furbearers Committee
Author: Tom Westhoff - Missouri Trappers Assoction - CFM Delegate.
Intended Recipient: Missouri Department of Conservation
Rescind Certain Regulations Governing the Hunting and Trapping of
Furbearers
RESOLVED, that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled in Osage Beach,
Missouri, this 25th day of February, 2023, urges the Conservation Commission of Missouri to
immediately rescind the 2022 regulation changes establishing and extending the harvest of
furbearer species.
Expires: February 25, 2028
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Who paid for the Anti-Trapping Stickers?
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Missouri Trappers Association Board Members – This says it all.
Rick Friedrich - NTA Director for the MTA: In a phone call told me if you must use these traps, you’re not a real trapper.
Charles Samuels - President of the MTA: If regulations passed will be could have a severe detrimental effect on trapping.
Charles Samuels – President of the MTA: 2024 - I fought 10 years to STOP the Extended Trapping Season on Private Lands from happening and will keep fighting.
Tom Westhoff - Conservation Federation Delegate for the MTA: Unethical to shoot Coyotes with thermal scopes in Spring or Summer.
Tom Westhoff - Conservation Federation Delegate for the MTA: Unethical to trap in the Spring.
Jim Palmer – Ethics Committee for the MTA: We are opening ourselves to public relation issues and possible litigation if regulation are implemented.
The only thing I read above is weakness and appeasement and lack of leadership, they are just like Chamberlain. People who don't study history are doomed to repeat it.
Neville Chamberlain is famously associated with the policy of appeasement, particularly his negotiation of the Munich Agreement in 1938, which is often cited as a sign of weakness and a failure to stand up to Nazi aggression. This policy, aimed at avoiding war by making concessions to Adolf Hitler, is viewed by many as a miscalculation that ultimately emboldened the German dictator.
Time line for Missouri Private Land 220 Conibears.
Saturday March 25, 2023, I started my research and writing the proposal for the 220 on dry land for a Missouri Trappers Assocation District Directorr that I told I would help. I told him I would do keep my name out of it because MTA board hates me because I pushed the Extended Season on Private Lands. But I told him it won’t matter MTA board won’t even bother to consider it. But he wanted to do it this way. Who am I to crush hope.
The poorly written document that the Missouri Trappers Assocation board keeps referring to is on this link and is the foundation of what I started with.
https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-inspires/furbearer-management
You will want to scroll down to “Research on Trapping:” section
Then click on ling of “Use of Bodygrip Traps on Dryland: A Guide To Responsible Use. 2017”
https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/9215/2106/2322/AFWA_Bodygrip_2017_final_compressed.pdf
Here is who ALL help write this poorly written document. This document was produced by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group, in consultation with representatives from trapping organizations. We especially acknowledge Matt Peek of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for serving as primary author on this document. Significant contributions in authorship were also made by Dave Hastings of the Fur Takers of America and Matt Lovallo of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. We wish to acknowledge Bob Noonan for writing the history of the bodygrip trap section based on his knowledge and conversations with Neal Jotham, Fur Institute of Canada. We also acknowledge members of the Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group, who reviewed this document, as well as Dr. Tim Hiller who assisted with an early version of the document. Illustration credits are to Joe Goodman. Photo credits to Austin Worth (Missouri Department of Conservation), Bryant White (AFWA), eXtension.org, Matt Peek (Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism), Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and New York State. Department of Environmental Conservation. We would also like to acknowledge the document "Safe and Ethical Use of the Dryland Conibear Trap" that served as a guide for this document (Wisconsin Trappers Association 1998).
"Safe and Ethical Use of the Dryland Conibear Trap" that served as a guide for this document (Wisconsin Trappers Association and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource). A great document. But to the Missouri Trappers Assocation Board says is poorly written also
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Education/OutdoorSkills/safeandethical.pdf
Spent months talking with trappers using them, research other documents like Palas, Mark. 2012. Trapping: Raccoons up in the Trees. Fur-Fish-Game. Sept., 2012., and the extra mile talked with a hound owner that runs raccoons. I did not need to talk to a beagle, lab, terrier, German shepherd or mutt owner because I have owned them all and hunted with them all from hounds to labs.
So I took Wisconsin and started making it even more RESTRICTIVE because I know exactly how Jefferson City works. It was so restrictive that even the MTA member I wrote it for said it was really too restrictive.
September 18, 2023, the Missouri Trappers Assocation District President who had already took a vote from his District members all in favor except I believe 23 to 1 oppose. Then he presented to the MTA Board who voted it down and with what I am told most did not even look at it and would not even present it to general membership for consideration. Told YA!
September 18, 2023, he called me and told me it was in my court now. So I wrote introduction letters to the proposal.
September 24, 2023, I finished all the information. Which no link to provide is in the photos below of the 17-page document proposal, pay close attention to TITLE and page 14 figure 13, 14 and 15 and pay close attention to page 15 what is NOT recommended. My HOPE was for minimum of page 14 to make it in and they throw out all the rest.
September 26, 2023, I emailed the MDC Furbearer Biologist, Director of MDC, Regulations Committee and the Missouri Conservation Commission members.
I followed and talked with them almost monthly and watched to regulations committee to present it to the Commission for a vote up or down.
May 16, 2025, the furbearer biologist presented to commission and used the AWFA form “Use of Bodygrip Traps on Dryland: A Guide To Responsible Use. 2017” with some different restriction.
OCTOBER 8, 2025 - I resubmitted the above regulations change.
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GET your WAR paint on Opponents: I resubmitted what I SUBMITTED - Tuesday, September 26, 2023 9:35 AM– Missouri Restrictive Access Bodygrip on Dryland – I doubt with all the behind-the-scenes meetings with opposing side – I will see this before I die. But what the hell I did all the work for 6 months - 3 years ago – I am just sending email again.
Of Course it’s completely different that what anyone got to see before the MDC made it public. Either by accident, intentional or incompetence MDC staff mixed cable restraints, snares and 220’s on dryland.
Mixing different Trap used for different purposes and different ways all under one code.
Good news unlike last time I will not follow up because it was waste of time the first time – I expect no less this time and between the MTA and the MDC they will destroy it. It and will never see the light of day. So this is my proof of life! ROFLMAO
But whatever! I have done more work than both of them together to add more opportunities, methods and recruitment and retention for trappers and providing comprehensive predator management to private landowners than both of the together in the last 3 years.
Missouri Restrictive Access Bodygrip Traps on Dryland Proposal
Please give copies of attachments of this proposal to all 4 of the Missouri Conservation Commissioner, Missouri Regulations Committee and Deputy Director Jason Sumners for consideration of regulation changes so that 220 Bodygrip Traps can be used on dryland.
To:
Missouri Conservation Commission,
Missouri Regulations Committee,
Deputy Director Jason Sumners,
Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 9:35 AM
Attached: Is introduction letter to proposal – Best Management Practice Request
Attached: Missouri Bodygrip Traps on Dryland Proposal of regulation change
Attached: Original Document Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Bodygrip which the Missouri proposal is based off of.
You can see the Missouri Department of Conservation Furbearer Biologist giving presentation to the Missouri Conservation Commission in which was approved by all 4 members to send to a vote and comment from the Missouri Citizens on July 2 thru July 31.
What was Missouri voting for.
No. 1 - 220's can be use on Private Lands ONLY!
No. 2 - Required Cubby for 220's Conibear to be recessed 7" when bait used!
No. 3
NOT allowed on public lands,
NOT allowed within 150 ft. along public roads,
NOT allowed within 150 ft. on paths used by person or domestic animals,
NOT allowed within 150 ft. of residence or occupied building in cities/town with 10,000 or more people.
NOT allowed within 150 ft. from property boundary without written consent.
I talked with trappers from Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania to building buckets and boxes and testing them and used helpful hints Palas, Mark. 2012. Trapping: Raccoons up in the Trees. Fur-Fish-Game. Sept., 2012. https://www.furfishgame.com/featured_articles/Archived/2012-09/trapline_09-2012.php
July 18, 2025, the Oppents to 220's, Snares and Extended Months of Thermal Hunting in Missouri gave presenation to the Missouri Conservation Commission.
Sporting Dog Assocation and Missouri Trappers Assocation Board Members
Part 1 of 4 - Video
Zero Facts – Opinions, Lying, Half-Truths, Hearsay and Speculation.
Seems opinions, hearsay and and/or speculation is called facts that does not equal State Biologist FACTS!
Iowa and Illinois DNR Biologist
Vince Evelsizer Furbearers and Wetlands Biologist Iowa DNR – who I talked with on phone July 28, 2025. It is RARE I am not seeing any issues with 220’s or Snares on dry land and dogs in the state of Iowa!
Stan McTaggart - Wildlife Diversity Program Manager - Illinois DNR - email July 28, 2025 - It is UNCOMMON to get complaints of dogs in body-grips!
Michigan – Waiting on comment.
Wisconsin – Waiting on comment.
Anyone saying otherwise is lying or using hearsay and/or speculation to make a point to the uninformed!
Simple Question: Why are high dollar dogs being sent onto Private Property that they no nothing about what activites are taking place?
Why are they not using for high dollar investment? Halo Collar 4 is often praised for its combination of GPS tracking, training features, and recall functionality. Or SpotOn GPS Fence, which focuses on wireless fencing and also offers a recall feature, and Tractive GPS, affordable and reliable tracking.
The North American Trapper Education by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for Furbearer Management and Best Management Practices for Trapping a course Includes -
Teaching that traps are essential tools for responsible and ethical trapping, designed to humanely capture furbearers while minimizing harm to non-target animals. Understanding the different types of traps, their proper use, and legal requirements is crucial for every trapper.
5’ elevated Bucket Test and 5’ elevated Top Entry Cubby Set
This is one of the most animal specific of any trapping tool I have ever used based off of AFWA – BMP recommendation, because Raccoon must to climb a tree and go into a container to get caught.
Simple Question: Please explain to me how an any dog is going to climb into an tree 5 feet and then enter into an 10”x10” box and then go into the box 8” to get to trap?
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July 18, 2025, the Oppents to 220's, Snares and Extended Months of Thermal Hunting in Missouri gave presenation to the Missouri Conservation Commission.
Sporting Dog Assocation and Missouri Trappers Assocation Board Members
Part 2 of 4 - Video
Zero Facts – Opinions, Lying, Half-Truths, Hearsay and Speculation.
FACT No. 1 - No traps in history have been documented to catch selected animals, and dogproofs are not a magic bullet they have problems to overcome. They are just another trap in the tool box of comprehensive predator management.
Research shows recording of raccoons with hundreds of video and 10,000’s of photos of reactions for the 4 years, when sows go into heat or piles of corn for hog trapping, or legal areas and location in Missouri take place and when denning starts they will walk right by dog proof.
That is why cage traps and Duke # 1 CS, Duke 1 1/2 CS, and Duke # 1 3/4 CS are still sold today, otherwise the trapping companies would have stopped making and selling. 220’s Conibear is just another tool for the toolbox.
FACT No. 2 - They are not Raccoon Specific – Raccoon, Opossum, Skunks, Foxes and Coyote have been caught in them as photos prove.
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FACT No. 3 - Because Dog-Proofs comes in Push / Pull Trigger today. It has been documented.
non-Target animals House Cats, Black Bears and Large Dogs have been caught by the tongue. I would think a dog missing part of his tongue would be an issue eating, drinking and staying cool.
Its is called a "dog proof" because a dog can't stick its paw into the trap, but DO NOT use peanut butter or something a dog may want to lick out.
Aug 1, 2017 — Hank lost the majority of his tongue in a trap, but UC Davis oral surgeons were able to repair the remaining portion.
FACT No. 4 - Along with various songbirds, crows, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, and flying squirrels.
Will the state of Missouri or require a Dogproof trap caps in be used to prevent all non-target wildlife from being caught or will they ban ban dog proof traps also and be a cage trap only state?
Remember 1 too many!!!
FACT No. 5 - Saying these traps are so strong that it requires a setter is half-truth and depends on the person.
I am older now and when you get older and have lose hand strength. It does not matter if I am using dog proof, foothold, a 110 conibear or 330 conibears. I must use a trap specific setter for them all. But younger people can even set 330 by hand.
FACT No. 6 - You will ban foothold drowning sets in the state of Missouri because dogs have long enough legs that they can step on trap without swimming. They will drown before the owner ever gets to them. Great habitat for raccoons along water edges and typically lured with castor scent and dogs follow right on top of it. Are you going to ban these?
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FACT No. 7 – This is the most lethal trap in the state of Missouri a 330 Conibear as a trapper you give it the same respect as using a chainsaw. This is a legal beaver set in the state of Missouri. Beaver dams are an wildlife highways especially for raccoons and. Nothing prevents any dog from hitting this trap. Nothing! Are you going to ban these?
If the argument is how expensive dogs are or how much money they make – You will need to ban all foothold and for sure foothold drowning sets, 330 conibear and even dog proof traps. Then you will need to adopt Colorado Trapping Regulations of cages only.
If dog owners have more rights on Private Landowners’ land maybe they should start paying taxes and upkeep on my property. Does that mean we should pick and choose.
I hunted archery and firearms on my private land that cost me 100,000’s of dollars and 10,000’s of hours of habitat work and had dogs running deer and nothing I can do about it.
Should we ban sporting dogs statewide from September 15th through January 15 from running loose without leash, like tracking dogs are required to do?
Why are dogs are prohibited when hunting squirrels and rabbits during daylight hours of the November portion of the firearms deer season in the following counties: Butler, Carter, Dent, Iron, Madison, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne, are there less dogs in the 104 other counties of Missouri?
Why are expensive dogs running loose on properties that the dog owner doesn’t have the GPS collars that can control dogs to return, and doesn’t know the landowner and the activities that take place there.
It seems like personal responsibility has been shifted to private landowners ONLY. Which seems odd because of the multiple hunting dogs I have owned I never took, lost control of it on land I did not have permission on and understood if anyone was trapping on property.
Why do some obscure dog trails in Northern Missouri, have any bearing on my Private Land in Bollinger County Missouri?
Part 3 of 4 - Video
Zero Facts – Opinions, Lying, Half-Truths, Hearsay and Speculation.
July 18, 2025, the Oppents to 220's, Snares and Extended Months of Thermal Hunting in Missouri gave presenation to the Missouri Conservation Commission.
Sporting Dog Assocation and Missouri Trappers Assocation Board Members
SNARES = Truth, Facts and Education are key! It takes minutes to learn this, but you will have to want to. Don’t be lied to!
NO TANGLE AREAS is Key, keeping out of trees and brush.
You might need to read and listen to the presentation given by Missouri Furbearer Biologist to you about snares in May Commission meeting. Require snares to have 2.5-inch deer stop and have a break away device set to 350 lbs. of pressure. Snares get a bad name because it all has to do with the style of lock and today 16 different style of locks over what existed today than in 1970’s.
Fact No. 1 - The only difference between cable restraints and snare are the lock.
So you would for the live market you would use Penny Size Washer or Micro Locks.
Example - Small Washer Snare Lock = is a penny sized, smooth sliding, relaxing snare lock.
So when the coyote luges forward it tightens then when he retreats it relaxes.
You would stay away from Cam Lock and Snare Dispatch Springs.
Fact No. 2 – Snares are NOT lethal until you make then lethal. 9 out of 10 coyotes will be running around when you arrive as long as you don’t put in area to get tangle up.
For the live Market Coyote - If using 3 feet of cable for 8-inch loop on a 5/64 1x19 cable with a 6 to 8 ft tail cable, it will allow the lock to relax little, Mirco, Slims, Mini Lock Bullet locks that back off. With a great swivel to allow mobility and prevent entanglements and can move deer stop to 3 ½ to 4”.
EXAMPLE 1 – IOWA - Billingsley Brand Trapping Lures YouTube Channel with over 6,000 subscribers has a video about
LIVE MARKET COYOTE WITH SNARES. - https://youtu.be/MuaKqWVTV24?si=rLY79Z6hGIPWiYqa
EXAMPLE 2 – ARKANSAS - A LEGENDARY TRAPPER” Making HOMEMADE Snares & Catching Coyotes (PREDATOR CONTROL)153 LIVE MARKET COYOTES WITH SNARES in 4 years on average 2 1/2 months per year. https://youtu.be/T0canhKEO3g?si=ZImCelh63o9ltd9G
Razorback Snares out of Tennessee sells Snares for live market – This is his recommendation. Penny size washer and micro locks for locks- 12 inch loop loaded of 5/64 1x19 with 30 inch 7x7 3/32 pigtail
Fact No. 3 – Cable Restraint no longer require training in Missouri and if they get tangle on anything will kill the animal no different than a snare. If that was not the case the MDC Cable Restraint Manual would not have these requirements. captured animal cannot get entangled by rooted, woody vegetation greater than½ inch in diameter or any other objects, and be at least 12 inches from a fence when fully extended.
July 18, 2025, the Oppents to 220's, Snares and Extended Months of Thermal Hunting in Missouri gave presenation to the Missouri Conservation Commission.
Sporting Dog Assocation and Missouri Trappers Assocation Board Members
Part 4 of 4 - Video
Zero Facts – Opinions, Lying, Half-Truths, Hearsay and Speculation.
Thermal Scopes:
9 month of the year instead of 2 months.
If the concern among others are it is unethical to shoot a coyote in spring or summer because they may be pregnant or have young, then all the other activities must stop.
Example: Beaver season goes to March 31st females are pregnant already.
Example: Despite otters closing at the end of February they have already been breed and are pregnant they just have delayed. Delayed implantation, a reproductive strategy where fertilized eggs don't immediately implant in the uterus but rather remain dormant for a period.
Example: Using MDC Fetal Records from CWD culling any does killed from October 25 to November 22 are already pregnant.
Example: Any Wild Turkey Hens killed in Spring in Missouri has high probability that they have already been breed.
Also if shooting 9 months of the year using thermal is unethical.
The coyote hunting season in Missouri is open year-round, with some restrictions on hunting during daylight hours from April 1 through the day prior to the beginning of the Spring Turkey Hunting season.
So is it more unethical to shoot a coyote at night in June than it is to shoot a coyote during the day in June?
July 31, 2025 the voting ends – Won’t be decided on by Commission till September 2025 and with any luck it will pass. But even then, trappers won’t be able to use till August of 2026.
2022 - The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has expressed concerns and opposition to proposed expanded furbearer hunting and trapping regulations in Missouri, specifically regarding the extended trapping season.
75 plus years of research on Predator Management - Shows Missouri Trappers Assocation gave
Zero Facts – Just Opinions, Lying, Half-Truths, Hearsay and Speculation.
POWER OF THE EGG
Charles Samuels – President of the MTA: 2024 - I fought 10 years to STOP the Extended Trapping Season on Private Lands from happening and will keep fighting.
VS
For 10 years I sent in request for extended trapping season on private lands in Missouri. The Missouri Conservation Commission with the extended trapping season in Missouri which Missouri has gained over 1,000 plus permit trappers in the worse fur market Missouri has seen.
FACT on landowners in Missouri.
Missouri Trappers Association around 754 members.
8,000 permit trappers Missouri over 90% not represented by any group.
An estimated 313,000 family forest ownerships in Missouri not represented by any group.
Private landowners own approximately 85% of Missouri's forested land no represented by any group, totaling around 15.4 million acres, according to the US Forest Service.
Missouri is home to around 88,000 farms. This makes Missouri the 3rd largest state in the US for the number of farms.
Anti Trapping groups don’t even care about all 3 policy changes in Missouri and as History shows Anti Trapping Group funded the conibear trap into existence if you take time the read the best management practice history of the Conibear.
Trapping along with habitat is the most comprehensive management strategy in America. It keeps wildlife in balance.
FACT: Raccoon Population in Missouri – Birth rate has not changed.
Missouri – Furbearer Report by MDC
1977 - 300,000 Raccoon Pelts sold
1998 - 200,000 Raccoon Pelts sold
2009 - MDC estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1.4 million with annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
2010 - MDC estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1 to 2 million with annual trapping of annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
2012 - 150,000 in 2012 Raccoon Pelts sold
2023 – 11,196 Raccoon Pelts Sold
Total North American yearly average harvest of more than 4.4 million pelts in the 1980s makes the raccoon harvest the most valuable of all North American furbearers.
2023 - International source - The harvest of raccoon for United States fur value is the lowest it has ever been, less than 100,000 and could be far less.
2025 – Fur Harvester Auction – 53,916 Raccoon mainly unsold.
FACT No. 1: Coyote in Missouri population birth rate has not changed.
FACT NO. 2: If you take all the bears, mountain lions and wolves in the United States they would still not add up to all the coyotes in the United States which could not be said 25 years ago when they did not exist east of the Mississippi.
FACT No. 3: Missouri – Furbearer Report by MDC
2013 – 7,631 Coyotes pelts sold
2023 – 1,997 Coyotes pelts sold
2025 – Fur Harvester Auction – 23,017 Coyotes mainly unsold.
Fact No. 4: Coyotes reportedly kill over 300,000 head of livestock annually in the United States. This predation leads to significant economic losses for farmers and ranchers, with an estimated $232 million in livestock losses attributed to predation in one year.
Fact No. 5 - Missouri – Furbearer Report by MDC
1945 – 1,192 Resident Commercial Fur Buyer Permits.
1946 thru 1953 - Missouri Landowner Predator Control Program.
2023 - 21 Resident Commercial Fur Buyer Permits
1980 - 13,248 Trapping Permits
2000 – 2,050 Trapping Permits
2023 - 8,736 Trapping Permits
Missouri Comprehensive Predator Management
Missouri Comprehensive Predator Management
Promote Hunting & Trapping Recruitment and Retention!
Science Based Predator Management and Public Education using the Best Management Practices tools written by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – Furbearer Conservation Technical Working Group in consultation with significant contributions from Fur Takers of America and Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commission.
Missouri Landowners, Missouri Farmers, Missouri Cattle, Sheep & Goat Ranchers, Missouri Horse Owners, Missouri Trappers, Missouri Predator Hunters, Missouri Homesteaders would all benefit
There are an estimated 313,000 family forest ownerships in Missouri. Private landowners own approximately 85% of Missouri's forested land, totaling around 15.4 million acres, according to the US Forest Service. Missouri is home to around 88,000 farms. This makes Missouri the 3rd largest state in the US for the number of farms.
Comprehensive trapping and predator management on Private Lands with 220’s and Snares with some restrictions on placement and use! The same tools that our neighboring states game and fish departments for Illinois, Kentucky, Iowa, along with Texas, Maryland, North Dakota, New Mexico, Virginia, Vermont and Oregon use.
“Missouri 220 Conibear with Restrictions” on Private Land ONLY and “Missouri Snares with Restriction” on Private Land ONLY. 3 CSR 10- 8.510: Use of Traps
This amendment restructures this rule for clarity and increases opportunity for use of snares and Conibear® traps on private land.
“Missouri Thermal Hunting Coyotes 9 months of the Year”
Summary: 3 CSR 10- 7.410: Hunting Methods
This amendment increases the number of days that allow the use of artificial light, night vision, and thermal imagery equipment when harvesting coyotes.
Examples of what private landowners and trappers on private land will be able to use Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Set Top Entrance - 5 ft. Pre Box Cubby Pre Bait Testing
Raccoons Den in Trees, climb fruit trees to eat, climb trees to eat bird nest, Climb into Wood Duck Boxes, and I watched them climb a tree and take a nap in a squirrel’s nest with tail hanging out for hours. It was fun to watch. Using Raccoon Natural ability and nature.
Once the Season Opens in the Winter the Landowner / Trapper / Hunter option for Weekend only traps – They would be able to pre-bait set on Sunday and come back Friday or Saturday and Set trap.
That’s 22 Saturdays of trapping that Private Landowner might not be able to even trap 1 day during the week because of work. 22 more chances to: Being able to implement Comprehensive Predator Management on Private Lands. Increasing opportunity, recruitment and retention to trap for people that can’t check traps every day during the workday in Missouri.
While keeping your bait away from other wildlife and animals. While saving you gas and time!!!
Can you imagine 300,000 forest landowners and 80,000 farms. 44.6 million acres is in private ownership, having more opportunities to help themselves with predator control. Recruiting them to become trappers.
1980s - The total North American yearly average harvest of more than 4.4 million pelts in the 1980s makes the raccoon harvest the most valuable of all North American furbearers.
1997/1998 - MDC Reported– Over 200,000 Raccoons were trapped.
2009 - MDC Reported estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1.4 million with annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
2010 - MDC Reported estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1 to 2 million with annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
2022/2023 - MDC Reported 11,196 Raccoon Pelts sold or registered.
2023 - The Raccoon U.S. harvest will hit a historical low of 100,000 or less pelts per year.
2023 - July – August American Trapper – The National Trappers Association Magazine. Page 29 - We are currently facing enormous obstacles in the fur trade. China is finally opening after incurring draconian Covid shutdowns only to find that worsening financial banking crisis is going to limit the available capital to purchase raw fur supplies. Prices for many items such as raccoon have taken such a hit as to make them uneconomical to trap. It ends up as catch-22. The less trappers receive for their fur. The less they trap.
Hopefully, trappers will continue to trap in this discouraging fur market. Most trappers I know are resourceful and likely to shift efforts to species that are more likely to pay the gas money.
2025 – July 17 thru 19 - Fur Harvester Auction Raccoons 53,916 Mainly UNSOLD!!
MDC past fur bearer biologist 10 years ago unofficially coyote population was 250,000. They are too numerous to put a number on. Fact today there are more Coyotes in the United States than bears, wolves and mountains combined. The United States is home to an estimated 450,000 Bears, 11,000 Wolves and 30,000 Mountain Lions.
2013/2014 - MDC Reported 7,631 Coyote Pelts sold or registered
2022/2023 - MDC Reported 1,196 Coyote Pelts sold or registered
2025 – July 17 thru 19 - Fur Harvester Auction Raccoons 23,017 Mainly UNSOLD!!
Missouri has gone from 13,000 trapping permits in 1980’s to less than 7,000 trapping permits.
BUT THE ONE THING THAT HAS NOT CHANGED IS THE BIRTH RATE OF ALL PREDATORS!
TRAPPING: RACCOONS UP IN THE TREES - Sept. 2012 - Fur-Fish-Game- By Mark Palas a Minnesota Trapper and an instructor at events for the Minnesota Trappers Association.
No. 1 - The Key Information from Article “I learned that raccoons favor a box with entrance on top.”
No. 2 - The Key Information from Article “What do Raccoons do that most wildlife does not” Climb Trees”
Just few years ago the Citizens of Missouri Voted and Missouri Made History and Extended Trapping Season for Private Landowners.
They tried to stop it. They will again try to prevent Private Landowners using Comprehensive Predator Management Tools. ONLY YOU CAN STOP THEM!!!
Make HISTORY AGAIN!
MISSOURI LANDOWNER RIGHTS
I have spent almost 3 years getting the MDC to put this to a vote.
Missouri rights as private landowners to manage for predators.
Stop the people that think they have more rights on what you do on YOUR property than you?
Do they pay your taxes?
Do they do your predator management?
Do they pay your cost for habitat improvements?
Science Based Predator Management and Public Education using the Best Management Practices tools written by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – Furbearer Conservation Technical Working Group in consultation with significant contributions from Fur Takers of America and Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commission.
JULY 4, 2025
Missouri 220 Box Raccoon Camera - Almost 1,000 videos of the Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Box Pre Bait test 5 ft in tree.
Here are the best videos on Day 4 on July 4 of Boar Raccoon.
Missouri 220 Box Raccoon Camera - Almost 1,000 videos of the Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Box Pre Bait test 5 ft in tree.
Here are the best videos on Day 4 on July 4 of Boar Raccoon.
JULY 2, 2025
Missouri 220 Box Raccoon Camera - Almost 1,000 videos of the Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Box Pre Bait test 5 ft in tree.
Here are the best videos on Day 2 on July 2 of Boar Raccoon and then TWO Boar Raccoons do a little growling to get into Missouri 220 Cubby Box.
Missouri 220 Box Raccoon Camera - Almost 1,000 videos of the Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Box Pre Bait test 5 ft in tree.
Here are the best videos on Day 2 on July 2 of Boar Raccoon and then TWO Boar Raccoons do a little growling to get into Missouri 220 Cubby Box.
JULY 2, 2025
Missouri 220 Box Raccoon Camera - Almost 1,000 videos of the Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Box Pre Bait test - 5ft in Tree.
Here are the best photos from videos on Day 2 on July 2 of Sow Raccoon.
Missouri 220 Box Raccoon Camera - Almost 1,000 videos of the Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Box Pre Bait test, 5 ft in Tree.
Here are the best videos on Day 2 on July 2 of Sow Raccoon.
JULY 1, 2025
Missouri 220 Box Raccoon Camera - Almost 1,000 videos of the Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Box Pre Bait test - 5ft in Tree.
Here are the best photos from videos on Day 1 on July 1 of Sow Raccoon.
Missouri 220 Box Raccoon Camera - Almost 1,000 videos of the Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Box Pre Bait test, 5 ft in Tree.
Here are the best videos on Day 1 on July 1 of Sow Raccoon.
5 ft. Pre Bait Box Cubby Testing - The Sow and Older Kit I think are relaxed at the penthouse.
Over 400 of videos in just weeks of, big boars, young boars, sows and kits enjoying the Pre Bait Test Missouri 220 Conibear Cubby Set Top Entry 5 ft into tree.
5 ft. Pre Bait Box Cubby Testing - I think this bigger boar could resist either.
5 ft. Pre Bait Box Cubby Testing - I think this young boar is enjoy the long days of summer.
5 ft. Pre Bait Box Cubby Testing - The Sow and Older Kit I think are relaxed at the penthouse.
Missouri 220 Conibear Box Pre Bait Testing at 5 ft in tree.
Missouri Landowners
Missouri Farmers
Missouri Cattle, Sheep & Goat Ranchers
Missouri Horse Owners
Missouri Trappers
Missouri Predator Hunters
Missouri Homesteaders
Make Trapping and Coyote Hunting Great Again in Missouri!
93% of Missouri are Private Lands.
There are an estimated 313,000 family forest ownerships in Missouri. Private landowners own approximately 85% of Missouri's forested land, totaling around 15.4 million acres, according to the US Forest Service.
Missouri is home to around 88,000 farms. This makes Missouri the 3rd largest state in the US for the number of farms.
2 million acres of Public Lands in Missouri.
NO. 1 - Support comprehensive trapping and predator management on Private Lands with 220’s and Snares with some restrictions on placement and use! The same tools that our neighboring states game and fish departments for Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Iowa, along with Texas, Maryland, North Dakota, New Mexico, Virginia, Vermont and Orgeon use.
Missouri = 93% Private Land - Illegal 220's on Private Land
Missouri Adjacent States
Illinois = 95% Private Land - Legal - 220's on Private land.
Arkansas = 82% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
Kentucky = 99% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
Iowa = 97% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
Other States
Texas - 95% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
Maryland - 92% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
North Dakota - 90% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
New Mexico - 52% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
Virginia - 82% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
Vermont - 84% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
Orgeon - 39% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
New Hamphsire 82% Private Land - Legal 220's on Private Land.
Support Thermal Hunting Coyotes January through September!
Summary of 220's Conibear from Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies.
The Best Management Practices tools that the original document was written by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – Furbearer Conservation Technical Working Group in consultation with significant contributions from Fur Takers of America and Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commission.
This is Example from “THE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES” of what the Anti Landowner Rights are fighting and how I plan to use 220’s on my Missouri Private Land Property by following the above rules.
To me this is very ethical and responsible for my location in Missouri.
The Best Management Practices tools that the original document was written by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – Furbearer Conservation Technical Working Group in consultation with significant contributions from Fur Takers of America and Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commission that was sent to Missouri Department of Conservation and was approved by Commission in May of 2025, the only difference Missouri will require additional 3" total of 7” are required for a cubby set.
The same documents given to Missouri were used to give Wisconsin the tools to manage Wisconsin Wildlife.
The same Best Management Practices tools that the original document was written by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – Furbearer Conservation Technical Working Group in consultation with significant contributions from Fur Takers of America and Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commission. That wasu used to give Wisconsin the tools to manage Wisconsin Wildlife.
How to build a Wooden Cubby Box for 220 Conibear.
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Missouri has a long history of Landowners managing the predator population - Missouri Landowner Predator Control Program from 1946 to 1953 in which the Government helped landowners help themselves and saved them over $100,000 in 1953.
Click here to learn more!
History Matters
1930s & 1940s - The Raccoon U.S. harvest averaged about 360,000 per year in the 1930s, increased to about 900,000 per year in the 1940s,.
1946 to 1953 - Missouri Landowner Predator Control Program - (See Complete Program Page from 1953)
1953 - Restoration of the Wild Turkey Started in Missouri
1960s - The Raccoon U.S. harvest averaged increased further to 1.3 million pelts per year in the 1960s
1979 - Restoration of the Wild Turkey Ended in Missouri
1980s - The total North American yearly average harvest of more than 4.4 million pelts in the 1980s makes the raccoon harvest the most valuable of all North American furbearers.
2023 - The Raccoon U.S. harvest will hit a historical low of 100,000 or less pelts per year in the 2023
This is not reinventing the wheel.
This is not reinventing the wheel.
The Best Management Practices tools that the original document was written by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – Furbearer Conservation Technical Working Group in consultation with significant contributions from Fur Takers of America and Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commission.
The same documents given to Missouri were used to give Wisconsin the tools to manage Wisconsin Wildlife.
ARE ALL THESE OTHER STATES DOG FREE?
Missouri landowners and trappers for those landowners that manage 93% of the wildlife in Missouri, the Missouri landowners and trappers are NOT represented by any conservation groups, the same tools that our neighboring states game and fish departments for Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Iowa, Texas, Marland, North Dakota, New Mexico, Virginia, Vermont use.
The worst thing you can do for wildlife is the failure to manage it. With gas prices, inflation on everyday use items and the reduced numbers of trappers in modern times along with a poor fur market – This will not only increase catches but save time and money for landowners and trappers and allow for more opportunity, recruitment, and retention of more trappers.
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE MORE RIGHTS THAN YOU ON YOUR PRIVATE LAND?
It's called Landowner Rights - Using comprehensive predator management on Private land just like history has proven.
Missouri has a long history of Landowners managing the predator population - Missouri Landowner Predator Control Program from 1946 to 1953 in which the Government finally helped landowners help themselves and saved them over $100,000 in 1953.
Since then Missouri has failed at using the international fur market to manage predator population. But no one forgot to tell the predators because the birth rate is still the same.
MDC Reported - 1940 – 1941 – 834,935 pelts harvested (most pelts sold) (over 70% were opossum and skunk pelts) most pelts sold.
MDC Reported – 2022/2023 – 884 Opossum Pelts and 306 Skunk Pelts sold or registered.
MDC Reported - 1945 – 1946 – Missouri Fur Dealer Permits 1,192.
MDC Reported - 2023 – Missouri Fur Dealer Permits 25.
MDC Reported - 1977 Missouri – 300,000 Raccoons were trapped.
MDC Reported - 1979 – 1980 – 634,338 (2nd highest pelts sold - when average raccoon pelt values were estimated at $27.50.
MDC Reported - 1997 – 1998 – Over 200,000 Raccoons were trapped.
MDC Reported - 2009 - estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1.4 million with annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
MDC Reported - 2010 - estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1 to 2 million with annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
MDC Reported – 2022/2023 – 11,196 Raccoon Pelts sold or registered.
MDC past fur bearer biologist 10 years ago unofficially coyote population was 250,000. They are too numerous to put a number on. Fact today there are more Coyotes in the United States than bears, wolves and mountains combined. The United States is home to an estimated 450,000 Bears, 11,000 Wolves and 30,000 Mountain Lions.
MDC Reported 2022/2023 - 1,196 Coyote Pelts sold or registered
MDC Reported 2013/2014 - 7,631 Coyote Pelts sold or registered
CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
UNITED STATES
RACCOON HISTORY,
VIRGINIA OPOSSUM,
SKUNKS HISTORY,
COYOTE HISTORY.
MDC proposes expanding furbearer hunting and trapping Proposed changes include increasing number of days allowed for use of artificial light, night vision, and thermal imagery equipment when harvesting coyotes, and adding trapping tools.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval to several regulation changes from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to expand furbearer hunting and trapping opportunities at its May 16 open meeting in Jefferson City. As many populations of furbearing species continue to increase, the proposed regulation changes will increase trapping opportunities and provide landowners with additional tools to manage wildlife populations and respond to human-wildlife conflicts.
The Commission gave initial approval to increasing the number of days that allow the use of artificial light, night vision, and thermal imagery equipment when harvesting coyotes. The proposed regulation would extend the use of these tools to 252 days from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, excluding the prescribed spring turkey hunting season. Prior to the proposed regulation, artificial light, night vision, and thermal imaging equipment could only be used to harvest coyotes from Feb. 1 through March 31, a total of 59 days.
The Commission also approved a proposed regulation change that would allow Conibear and similar type traps that are 7 inches in size or smaller to be used in dryland sets on private property with some restrictions on placement and use. Previously, these types of traps could not be more than 5 inches, unless set in water.
In addition, the Commission approved a proposed regulation change that would allow the use of snares in dryland sets on private property with certain requirements on size and device configuration. Currently, snares can only be used in water sets. The proposed regulation would allow snares in dryland sets on private property as long as they are set 150 feet from public areas and property boarders, unless written consent is obtained.
MDC is seeking public comments on the proposed regulation changes from July 2 to July 31, 2025. Get more information and submit comments at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/public-commenting-opportunities.
If given final approval, the anticipated date for the regulation changes to take effect is Jan. 1, 2026, for extended use of artificial light, night vision, and thermal imagery equipment when harvesting coyotes. If given final approval, the anticipated date for the other regulation changes to become effective is April 1, 2026.
220 Conibear Cubby Set
Built my first 220 Conibear cubby set. Future is bright for Missouri Private Landowners.
Testing it out see how it fits on tree.
Very cool learning experience to learn a new method of trapping.
Going to have to ask our neighboring state trapping guys from Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas some helpful hints.
Maybe some high school wood working class could build some.
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