Association Purpose

The North Carolina Trappers Association (NCTA) is a non-profit organization that was estab­lished in 1972.  It's main purpose is to unite the state’s trappers, to assist the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in its management and conservation of wild furbearer species, and to preserve and promote responsible trapping.

Association Goals

Along with preserving and promoting responsible trapping, some of the NCTA’s goals are:

• To establish responsible trapping seasons with fair and impartial laws for the harvesting of furbearers
• To educate trappers in proper trapping techniques, safety, and woodland skills
• To develop better relationships between landowners and trappers
• To promote the conscientious use of natural renewable resources
• To help conserve our wildlife and to preserve their natural habitat

Association Objectives

Educating the public on Best Management Practices regarding improvements to trapping tools and techniques, will help others understand that trapping activities are humane.

Providing facts to dispel myths that trapping is cruel, and demonstrate how effective trapping is as a wildlife management tool, costing taxpayers little to nothing to resolve human/wildlife conflicts (e.g. beaver flooding houses/roads, coyotes killing livestock, muskrats burrowing/digging in pond dams etc.).

NCTA continues to support the National Trappers Association, the Fur Takers of America, and Sportsmen's Alliance as an affiliate, contributing financially each year.

Trapping in North Carolina doesn’t survive on tradition alone — it survives because trappers stand together.

When you become a member of the North Carolina Trappers Association (NCTA), you’re not just joining an organization.
You’re becoming part of a united voice that protects your privilege to trap, today and for future generations.

Why Membership Matters — To You

As an NCTA member, you are part of the only statewide organization actively fighting for trappers in North Carolina. Your membership ensures:

• Your voice is represented when legislative and regulatory decisions are made that affect trapping.
• You stay informed on legislative actions, proposed rule changes, and issues that directly impact your season and your methods.
• You stand with numbers — and numbers matter.
  Legislators listen to votes, and members are votes.

Be Part of Something Bigger

The NCTA is an organization rich in history and grounded in science, working to ensure trapping remains a responsible, ethical, and legally protected wildlife management tool.

Membership connects you with:

• A community of like‑minded trappers who care about the future of trapping
• A legacy of conservation, education, and advocacy
• Strength through unity — because together we make a statement

More Than Advocacy — Real, Practical Benefits

Your membership also gives you opportunities to participate, learn, and save:

• Attend association events and activities — all family‑friendly
• Stay abreast of fur sales and market information
• Attend the NCTA State Convention
• Purchase all your trapping supplies in one place
• No shipping costs
• Participate in mini trapping classes and demonstrations, taught by some of the best trappers in the state
• Choose from two different trapping magazines included with membership

The Bottom Line

All of this — advocacy, education, community, and protection of your rights —
for only about $0.10 a day.

Trapping has a future in North Carolina only if trappers stand together.
Be counted. Be informed. Be involved.

Join the North Carolina Trappers Association.

By-Laws

The NCTA is managed by the Board of Directors elected annually with general supervision of all activities being governed as directed by the Constitution And Bylaws (here) adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the general membership.