Which type of trap is specifically identified as not to be used for recreational trapping?

The designation of certain traps as unsuitable for recreational trapping is based on safety and ethics in wildlife management. Body-gripping traps, often known as Conibear traps, are specifically designed to catch an animal quickly and can cause significant injury or death. Due to their efficiency, they pose a high risk to non-target species, including domestic pets and humans, making them controversial in terms of ethical trapping practices.

In California, regulations are stringent regarding the types of traps that can be used for recreational purposes to ensure both the welfare of wildlife and public safety. Body-gripping traps often have a wider set of applications for professional wildlife control rather than for recreational activities, where lower-risk trapping methods that minimize suffering and the likelihood of catching unintended animals are preferred. Padded-jaw leg-hold traps, cage traps, and even certain types of Conibear traps may be employed in more controlled settings, but body-gripping traps are generally viewed as inappropriate for recreational use due to the potential for harm.