Furbearer Management

Management of furbearers presents numerous challenges due to their often elusive nature, relatively low population densities, and limited distributions. Improved knowledge of harvests, and harvest impacts on populations, can lead to enhanced management strategies that provide opportunities for sustainable use while conserving populations. We implemented a management action to explore the feasibility of providing fisher harvest opportunities beyond the traditional trapping season closure of December 10 th . An experimental management action was implemented to address the question of whether fisher-trapping effort, or capture vulnerability, would vary in a season extension. We collected over 100,000 trap nights of data and found no significant change in capture vulnerability, but that trapping effort, both in terms of number of active trappers and mean individual effort, was significantly lower during the extended portion of the seasons. Thus, we found that the addition of fisher harvest opportunities beyond December 10 th does not increase cumulative harvest proportionally. We also developed a population model for a previously unexploited bobcat population. Survivorship parameters were estimated from harvest age structure using a Bayesian approach that allowed for the incorporation of external data and parameter updating as new data was made available. The posterior estimates of survivorship were incorporated into simulations of projection matrix models. The distribution of projected growth rates produced from the matrix model simulations showed decreasing variation in model projections as the survivorship information was refined. Ultimately, as more information was obtained, we refined our annual survivorship estimates to 0.81 (σ²=.006). Consequently, our estimated projected growth rates changed from λ=0.93 (σ²=0.28) to λ=1.14 (σ²=0.014). Finally, we propose that understanding the population status of furbearers, and the impacts of management actions, is crucial for wildlife management agencies in fulfilling their obligations to society. We recommend what data are needed to gain this understanding and how these data can be collected from harvest-dependent sources. In this, we hope to demonstrate that the challenges of furbearer management are not insurmountable and to encourage agencies to developing strong, data-driven furbearer conservation programs that improve the management and stewardship of this resource. iii BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Nathan M. Roberts was born to the Rev. Michael and Linda Roberts. From an early age, Nathan has been fascinated with the natural world. As an adolescent in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, he witnessed the importance of wildlife resources to rural cultures. He quickly realized he wanted to be part of ensuring that these resources were managed in way that is scientifically sound, equitable, and sustainable. He believes that the stewardship of our natural resources is not only a service to society, but a charge of the Creator who has blessed us with His creations. Nathan earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri. He worked, briefly, for the Missouri Department of Conservation before returning to the University of Missouri to earn his Masters degree while studying river otters. After the completion of his graduate degree, Nathan was employed as a wildlife biologist for

ABSTRACTSince the mid‐twentieth century, fisher populations (Pekania pennanti) increased in several eastern jurisdictions of North America, particularly in the northern part of the species’ range. Changes in fisher distribution have led to increased overlap with the southern portion of the range of American marten (Martes americana), whose populations may be locally declining. This overlap occurs particularly in habitats undergoing natural and anthropogenic modification. The objective of our study was to determine the respective effects of habitat changes and climatic conditions on fisher and marten populations in Quebec, Canada, based on trapper knowledge. We analyzed annual fisher and marten harvest (number of pelts sold/100 km2) between the 1984–1985 and 2014–2015 trapping seasons using linear mixed models. Fisher harvest increased with the increased abundance of mixed forests >12 m tall, resulting from decades of forest harvesting. Fisher harvest decreased with increasing spr...

Many North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) populations are threatened or recovering but are difficult to study because they occur at low densities, it is difficult to visually identify individuals, and they inhabit aquatic environments that accelerate degradation of biological samples. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can improve our ability to monitor demographic and genetic parameters of difficult to study species. We used restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to discover 20,772 SNPs present in Montana, USA, river otter populations, including 14,512 loci that were also variable in at least one other population range-wide. After applying careful filtering criteria meant to minimize ascertainment bias and identify high quality, highly heterozygous Data available from the Dryad Digital Repository: 10.5061/dryad. 96m9r].

Harvest of furbearers through trapping has been challenged by anti-trapping organizations for centuries, with organizational goals often including prohibition of all forms of trapping. Challenges to trapping may also include dissention among state wildlife agencies, pro-hunting organizations, and pro-trapping organizations. Despite recent efforts by anti-trapping organizations and occasional dissention among consumptive-use groups, national trends in snaring regulations included less restrictive regulations through time. This positive trend may offer opportunities for state wildlife agencies and pro-trapping organizations to enhance the public image of trapping, increase recruitment of trappers, and reverse the increasing trend of wildlife damage and associated costs. We offer support and suggestions to state wildlife agencies and pro-trapping organizations to help achieve these goals, with their partnership likely having a synergistic effect. Although we attempt to illuminate approaches for increasing support for trapping within the constraints of the cultural norms of the United States, we hope our approaches are useful to and promote dialogue in other jurisdictions experiencing similar problems.

Many North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) populations are threatened or recovering but are difficult to study because they occur at low densities, it is difficult to visually identify individuals, and they inhabit aquatic environments that accelerate degradation of biological samples. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can improve our ability to monitor demographic and genetic parameters of difficult to study species. We used restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to discover 20,772 SNPs present in Montana, USA, river otter populations, including 14,512 loci that were also variable in at least one other population range-wide. After applying careful filtering criteria meant to minimize ascertainment bias and identify high quality, highly heterozygous (H o = 0.2-0.50) SNPs, we developed and tested 52 independent SNP qPCR genotyping assays, including 41 that performed well with diluted DNA. The 41 loci provided high power for population assignment tests with only 1 misassignment (1.6 %) between closely neighboring populations. Our SNPs showed high power to differentiate individuals and assign them to population of origin, as well as strong concordance of genotypes from high and diluted concentrations of DNA, and between original RAD and the SNP qPCR array.

A review by Stephen M. Vantassel of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC of the fur trapper training course manual entitled, Fur Harvest, Fur Management and Conservation Course Manual (7th ed) written by the Ontario Fur Managers Federation. Toronto, Ontario: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011. 334 pages three-ring bound. This text covers trapping methods, animal dispatch and fur handling.

A review of Dan Powell's 2010 book, Mink Trapping: A Deep and Complete Long Lining System. Chamberlain, SD: Register Lakota Printing. 174 pages.
Powell's effort to help trappers think strategically about their work would help all trappers to improve the efficiency and quality of their work. Too often, a trap-per's fur-fever causes him to neglect his family. Powell properly explains the importance of balance and how proper planning leads to high production in all aspects of one 's life.

A discussion on the "Chico Model #1" cage (aka live) beaver trap. This is a clamshell style trap for capturing beavers (Castor canadensis). Article explains dimensions, manufacturer, how to purchase, and how to use the trap to capture nuisance beaver.

The use of body-gripping traps and snares for commercial and recreational trapping is banned on public lands in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Arizona, but most states still allow trapping for profit and pleasure, including Montana (Reed, “Trapping”).  Montana’s Furbearer Trapping Program (MFTP), administered by the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP), offers an apt example of U.S. trapping regulations and methods—and of the problems and moral issues that arise wherever trapping is legal.

Trap modification tips gleaned from Dr. Richard Buech and his research on using suitcase style traps like the Bailey Beaver Trap to capture beavers (Castor canadensis). Suggestions on using the Hancock beaver trap are given as well. Finally, advise on how to use the Bailey and Hancock beaver traps humanely is also provided.

Many North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) populations are threatened or recovering but are difficult to study because they occur at low densities, it is difficult to visually identify individuals, and they inhabit aquatic environments that accelerate degradation of biological samples. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can improve our ability to monitor demographic and genetic parameters of difficult to study species. We used restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to discover 20,772 SNPs present in Montana, USA, river otter populations, including 14,512 loci that were also variable in at least one other population range-wide. After applying careful filtering criteria meant to minimize ascertainment bias and identify high quality, highly heterozygous (H o = 0.2–0.50) SNPs, we developed and tested 52 independent SNP qPCR genotyping assays, including 41 that performed well with diluted DNA. The 41 loci provided high power for population assignment tests with only 1 misassignment (1.6 %) between closely neighboring populations. Our SNPs showed high power to differentiate individuals and assign them to population of origin, as well as strong concordance of genotypes from high and diluted concentrations of DNA, and between original RAD and the SNP qPCR array.

Harvest of furbearers through trapping has been challenged by anti-trapping organizations for centuries, with organizational goals often including prohibition of all forms of trapping. Challenges to trapping may also include dissention among state wildlife agencies, pro-hunting organizations, and pro-trapping organizations. Despite recent efforts by anti-trapping organizations and occasional dissention among consumptive-use groups, national trends in snaring regulations included less restrictive regulations through time. This positive trend may offer opportunities for state wildlife agencies and pro-trapping organizations to enhance the public image of trapping, increase recruitment of trappers, and reverse the increasing trend of wildlife damage and associated costs. We offer support and suggestions to state wildlife agencies and pro-trapping organizations to help achieve these goals, with their partnership likely having a synergistic effect. Although we attempt to illuminate approaches for increasing support for trapping within the constraints of the cultural norms of the United States, we hope our approaches are useful to and promote dialogue in other jurisdictions experiencing similar problems.

Harvest of furbearers through trapping has been challenged by anti-trapping organizations for centuries, with organizational goals often including prohibition of all forms of trapping. Challenges to trapping may also include dissention among state wildlife agencies, pro-hunting organizations, and pro-trapping organizations. Despite recent efforts by anti-trapping organizations and occasional dissention among consumptive-use groups, national trends in snaring regulations included less restrictive regulations through time. This positive trend may offer opportunities for state wildlife agencies and pro-trapping organizations to enhance the public image of trapping, increase recruitment of trappers, and reverse the increasing trend of wildlife damage and associated costs. We offer support and suggestions to state wildlife agencies and pro-trapping organizations to help achieve these goals, with their partnership likely having a synergistic effect. Although we attempt to illuminate approaches for increasing support for trapping within the constraints of the cultural norms of the United States, we hope our approaches are useful to and promote dialogue in other jurisdictions experiencing similar problems.