Trapping stays alive in Iowa

A small contingent of Iowans are continuing a trade that was prominent for centuries. State officials say about 75-hundred Iowans have a license to set traps for fur-bearing animals. Ron Andrews, a fur resource specialist for the state, says over the past four years, one million dollars worth of furs have been harvested in the state.Andrews says raccoon pelts are the “bread and butter” of the fur trade these days, and this year a raccoon pelt will bring up to 10 dollars. Andrews says when prices go higher, interest in trapping will grow.Andrews says there are rules for trapping. The most basic: get permission from the property owner if you don’t own the land. According to state law, traps are to be checked once every 24 hours and must be tagged with the trapper’s name and address.