I brought a chicken inside to rest and heal that I could have easily culled from my flock , and I briefly thought about how anti-trappers view our heritage. Trappers were once seen as essential members of early communities, providers of food, fur, and knowledge of the land. Yet now, mention the word “trapper” and many people immediately picture cruelty, or neglect.
What people often forget is that trapping, for many, is neither sport nor spectacle. It’s management of wildlife populations, an understanding of ecosystems, and a way of life handed down through generations. Most trappers I’ve met or read about, care deeply about the land and the animals on it. They know the trails, the habits, the seasons. But the moment the word “trap” enters the conversation, defenses go up. It’s as if the simple act of harvesting an animal—no matter how regulated, humane, or necessary automatically paints someone as a villain.

I suppose the bad reputation comes from a mix of misunderstanding, outdated images, and the emotional response many people have when they imagine an animal in a trap. And yes, there have been irresponsible trappers, people who misuse the craft or ignore ethics—just as there are irresponsible people in any field. But they are not the whole story, and they shouldn’t define everyone who practices trapping respectfully. I'm proud to tell others I trap and I hope that legacy continues through my children.

I had a one legged chicken for years I called her Ilean she was more like a cat she even took care of a litter of kittens when the mother was not around in the winter.

… I’d have culled it and turned it into some wildcats lol

I’m proud of you. Whatever let’s you have a clean conscience and feel good. It wouldn’t have been wrong to cull it but that’s not always easy and not always necessary .
Compassion and care can easily be misconstrued and you may get a brow beating from some, but that doesn’t matter.