In nature, each plant and animal species generally produces more offspring than the land can support to maturity. Like other species, we live by making use of part of this surplus that nature creates. We also have a responsibility to protect the wilderness areas that provide these valuable resources. The goal is to live on the "interest" nature produces each year without depleting our environmental "capital". Modern conservationists define this as the "sustainable use" of renewable resources. Aboriginal people call it "the circle of life".

Worldwide, the fur industry is an excellent example of an industry based on sustainable use. All the furs used by the trade are abundant and absolutely no endangered species are used. In the Canadian fur trade, government wildlife officials and biologists ensure responsible use by establishing controlled hunting and trapping, harvest quotas, licensing, and training courses for trappers. Strict government regulations ensure that these quotas and seasons are respected. Beaver and muskrat alone make up more than one-half of the wild furs used in the Canadian fur trade, and these species are as abundant as when Europeans first arrived in Canada. In many regions, raccoons, coyotes and foxes are more abundant than they have ever been.

Fur, a Renewable Resource >

" All of society benefits from well regulated hunting and trapping.
These activities help to ensure stable and healthy populations,
and reduce the risks of damage to property, while providing useful
products for people. Fur is a renewable, natural resource. "
- Department of Environment and Wildlife, Government of Quebec

Wildlife authorities endorse the Canadian fur trade