A group of Grey County trappers is calling on the county to reconsider recent changes to its nuisance beaver compensation program, arguing new requirements create unnecessary costs and paperwork.
Five trappers have submitted a letter to Grey County, outlining concerns about compensation, administrative requirements, and restrictions on trapping on public land.
The letter, included in the November 12, 2026 Committee of the Whole agenda, acknowledges an increase in compensation but argues the revised program fails to adequately recognize the work involved.
"The work is time-consuming and carries real operating costs," the group stated.
Under changes introduced in August, trappers must receive county authorization before beginning work, while animals removed from publicly owned land no longer qualify for county compensation.
The group argues those restrictions could discourage trappers from responding to nuisance beaver problems affecting municipal roads and drainage systems. They also object to the new application process, which they say has expanded from a single-page form to five pages and can require additional trips to obtain signatures.
"Going from a one page form to five pages needs to be revisited," the letter states.
The trappers are also disputing suggestions that receiving payments from both municipalities and Grey County amounts to improper duplicate compensation.
Grey County's revised program will double compensation from $25 to $50 per beaver beginning January 1, 2027.
The group is asking the county to revisit the changes with input from experienced local trappers.
