Trapping was one of the main sources of cash income before prices paid for commercially caught salmon increased during the early 1980's. Furbearers still provide an important source of income for trappers and many furs are used domestically in the production of garments and handicrafts. Additionally, the meat from some species, particularly beaver, is highly valued as food. Furbuyers purchase thousands of pelts during the week-long rendezvous and celebration. Trapping seasons generally reflect the period of pelt primeness and begin in early November and typically finish at the end of February or March.
Most trappers access their trapping areas via snowmachines.
Open water or lack of adequate snow may prohibit access and thus reduce trapping effort. Trapping on Togiak Refuge is governed by both Federal Subsistence Management and State of Alaska trapping regulations. For information on State of Alaska trapping regulations, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's wildlife regulations webpage .