Trapper Survives Four Days Stuck Under ATV
January 29, 2008
An Alberta trapper survived for four days after a trapline accident left him pinned under his ATV with nothing to eat but rotting beaver meat and with hungry coyotes threatening his life. He was rescued when a hiker came upon him on the trail and went to get help.
Wisconsin Trapper Encounters Cougar, DNR Investigates
January 28, 2008
Trapper Kevin Edwardson came face to face with a cougar in a Wisconsin barn last week, in what could be the first confirmed cougar siting in the state in 100 years. The animal fled from Edwardson after he followed its tracks into the old barn and spotted it in the hayloft. Its tracks measured 3 1/2″ across and it had a running stride of 12 feet.
Many cougar sightings have been reported in the state, but none have been confirmed over the past century or so. DNR Wildlife Biologist Doug Fendry took urine and blood samples from the area, which will be tested to determine the genetics of the cat. This may allow the state to determine whether this cougar was a captive animal or came from a wild population.
Harvesting ‘Coons For More Than Just Their Fur
January 23, 2008
In Illinois, hunters and trappers can sell the carcasses of raccoons that they capture for fur. This gives trappers a better return for their effort, allows residents to acquire a healthy source of protein at a very low cost, and helps control the population of critters that abound in suburban areas throughout the state. Most people who buy the ‘coons are those who grew up in the South where raccoons are eaten regularly, but this food source is also attracting new consumers as well.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone. Well….maybe not the animal rights folks, but that’s another story. Bottom line, raccoon populations are healthy (overpopulation can often causes rabies outbreaks), the economy is better off, and the entire animal is utilized. The fur is sold to foreign and domestic markets to produce articles of clothing and the meat provides healthy meals for local families. Sounds like something other states should really consider allowing.
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