Hunting, Trapping and Using Animal Fur Affords Some Environmental Benefits

There is no denying the fact that there is a huge and motivated movement to end the sale and trade of all fur products. Wherever one happens to stand regarding the issue of fur, there are some very important points to consider. Fashion notwithstanding, humans have been using animal fur for warmth and comfort for as long as we have been roaming the planet. In all likelihood, it was not unusual to see our ancestors wearing a fur coat or hat, or using a fur blanket or throw, especially in the colder regions of the world.

While the methods for hunting and trapping for fur has not historically been the most humane, practices have changed measurably due to increasing regulation and monitoring both by governments and environmental rights groups.

Because mankind has been slow to understand the importance of an ecological balance in nature, humans have interfered with the natural environment in innumerable ways. This has led to whole species of animals that are now over-populating ecosystems to extents that are non-sustainable. This is one reason why governments encourage hunting and trapping and issue specialized licenses to cull some species to numbers that are more environmentally healthy. These licenses are carefully meted out, often with the stipulation that as much of the animal be used as possible. Hunters are often not permitted to dress out their kills and leave unused pelts behind.

While many environmentalists are so anti-fur use that they cast a blind eye to some of the positive effects of hunting and trapping, it is important to remember that hunters and trappers are environmentalists in their own right. They have a vested interest in keeping the natural wild lands as pristine and eco-balanced as possible. Not only are national parks and forests beautiful and something best preserved in their natural state for future generations, but their very livelihoods depend on it.

In some ways, furriers and their suppliers help to ensure a balance in animal populations As long as the majority of mankind is carnivorous, hunting for food is not going to stop, so it's beneficial that the pelts that are taken this way be made into items that are regularly featured in homes and hunting and fishing lodges. A pelt that has been refashioned into a fur bedspread or fur throw will help stave off the cold of winter for someone in need.

It has been well documented that overpopulations of some species can harm natural environments. As an example, the over-population of herbivores in Yellowstone, due to the decimation of wolves, their natural predator, caused whole forests to disappear within the park. Now that wolf packs are on the rise, forests have re-appeared in areas that had been grazed into barely edible grasslands, and streams and rivers are healthier and cleaner as well. Nevertheless, re-introduction of natural predators will not necessarily create an eco-balance by itself.

In mans efforts to control the environment, introduction of non-native species into some areas has caused other ecological disasters. There are areas of the world where non-native animals are thriving and beyond. Lacking their own natural predators, their numbers can rise out of control where they are competing for food, natural protection from the elements, etc. These are problems that man created, and now must find a way to solve, sometimes by inviting hunters to step in and help.

No matter what your beliefs are regarding fur use, it is important to recognize that the only way to keep our forests and natural parks thriving for future generations is to keep the eco-systems balanced. Hunters, trappers and furriers all play an important role in this endeavor.

For a high quality fur bedspread author Stephen Daniels highly recommends the high quality products produced by Trailside Traditions. The owner has been in this business for more than 20 years, and takes pride in the quality of the pelts gets from his eco-responsible suppliers so he can create beautiful quality real fur products for his customers