Mobile Technology Making its Way to the Trapline

The new Trap-Alert System developed by New Frequency probably won’t explode onto the fur trapping scene any time soon, but it’s proving effective for some government trappers.  The technology allows trappers to use mobile devices to find out whether their traps have caught animals or not.  Here’s the press release:

Trap-Alert® System Becomes a Valuable Tool for a USDA Project

USDA project used latest in remote trapping technology with great success.

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Mobile Trap Monitoring

Addressing coyote and other wildlife populations in urban and suburban environments is a much needed effort..

Cumming, GA (PRWEB) July 21, 2012

New Frequency’s award winning Trap-Alert® trap monitoring system and notification solution receives a “Thumbs Up!” from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research project in Colorado. The Trap-Alert® system is a combination of hardware, software, GPS and wireless technologies that allows government agencies like the USDA, along with many professional wildlife control operators, to monitor and actively receive trap status updates, including the location of animal trap sets, through a web-based and mobile application.

The USDA’s Wildlife Services-National Wildlife Research Center recently started a research project studying urban coyotes in the Denver area requiring the capture, handling and collaring of 30 to 40 urban coyotes. Padded foot-holds, snares, and collarums are the primary trapping tools being used, with 99% of the traps set being padded foot-holds. USDA researchers quickly realized the advantages of using the Trap-Alert® system versus conducting manual trap inspections. Over the initial three month period the researchers have captured 15 coyotes. During this period, researchers received real time email and text alerts on their mobile devices for every trapping event where a Trap-Alert® unit was set.

Some key advantages cited by USDA researchers in using the Trap-Alert® system are:

•     Much quicker response times resulting in a reduced amount of time a coyote or any animal is in a trap;
•     Quicker response allows our traps to work longer during morning hours resulting in 1 to 2 additional captures;
•     Reduced danger to the general population and pets near the trapping area;
•     Ability to forgo checking traps in the afternoon/evenings for traps that are left open during the day;
•     Outstanding and proactive customer service.

“New Frequency had every expectation that our Trap-Alert® system would prove to be a very useful and reliable service for this important USDA research project in Colorado. New Frequency is thrilled the project chose to incorporate the use of our Trap-Alert® system as part of its standard trapping protocol,” said Todd Moran, New Frequency CEO. “Addressing coyote and other wildlife populations in urban and suburban environments is a much needed effort from a human health and safety standpoint. We look forward to continuing to work with the USDA and other government agencies on valuable wildlife research and humane wildlife management projects”, Moran added.

About New Frequency
New Frequency, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Cumming, GA, is a developer of software, devices, and complete systems that collect data in real time from remote assets and aggregate such data into useable and actionable information accessible over the web. New Frequency’s expertise and systems include telemetry data monitoring and management tools, high availability hosting, large data storage, custom reporting and alarming, and web-based software-as-a-service. New Frequency’s web-based solutions are used in monitoring and managing power, water, gas, and steam as well as equipment status, including location, operation, doors and hatches. Their systems can be employed in gathering and managing nearly any measurement of any asset.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Reviewing Maine’s ITP Application for Trapping and Lynx

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently considering an application by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for an incidental take permit for Canada lynx.  The ITP would provide legal protection for the Department’s trapping program and trappers who incidentally capture lynx, which are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.  In return, the Department has taken measures to minimize the chances that lynx will be taken in traps, and minimize mortality to lynx that are caught.  For the few possible mortalities that could occur, the Department has agreed to provide mitigation to minimize impacts to the lynx population.

The ITP comes on the heels of several lawsuits from animal rights groups to attempt to limit trapping in Maine.

If issued, the Incidental Take Permit would last for a 15 year period.

A brief review of what the document means to Maine’s trapping program can be read by clicking here.

Click here to read the full ITP document.

The USFWS Draft EA can be found here.

The USFWS is accepting public comment on the ITP application through February 7, 2012.  Comments can be mailed in or emailed to: hcpmainetrapping@fws.gov

Several public meetings have already been held, but public comment is still being accepted.  See the press release below:

News Release Contact:
11/08/2011 USFWS, Meagan Racey, 413-253-8558/413-658-4386
MDIFW, Walter Jakubas, 207-941-4471
Wildlife agencies announce request for lynx permit
Public invited to comment on draft plan for Maine trapping program
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a permit to authorize incidental take of federally protected Canada lynx resulting from the state-regulated trapping program.
The Service invites the public to comment on MDIFW’s draft incidental take plan, a requirement for the permit. The Service also invites comment on its draft environment assessment for MDIFW’s application.
The Endangered Species Act makes it illegal to “take”—meaning trap, capture, harass, harm or kill—federally threatened or endangered wildlife, such as the threatened Canada lynx. Some legal activities, such as trapping, have the risk of incidentally taking protected species. An incidental take permit allows for those activities to continue, as long as the permittee undertakes reasonable and practical measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate take of listed species.
“The incidental take permit that MDIFW has applied for should provide assurance to Maine’s trapping community and the general public that trappers can continue to pursue their avocation in northern Maine without detriment to the state’s lynx population,” said Wally Jakubas, MDIFW Mammal Group leader.
Incidental take plans, known also as habitat conservation plans, identify the impacts to wildlife from a project or program; the steps the applicant will take to reduce or compensate for such impacts; what alternative actions were considered; and how conservation efforts will be funded.
“Habitat conservation plans provide frameworks for partnerships in endangered species conservation,” said Paul Phifer, assistant regional director for the Service’s Northeast Region Ecological Services program. “The measures in this plan will help both agencies continue to protect lynx across the state for the benefit of future generations.”
The Service and MDIFW will hold informational sessions on the draft plan and related assessment in December:
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December 13 at University of Maine at Presque Isle, 181 Maine Street, Presque Isle, 04769 (Grand Ballroom—Allagash and Aroostook rooms); 207-768-9502
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December 14 at Black Bear Inn, 4 Godfrey Drive, Orono, 04473; 207-866-7120
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December 15 at University of Southern Maine in Gorham, 37 College Avenue, Gorham, 04038 (Bailey Hall); 207-780-5961
The Service and MDIFW are accepting written comments on the draft plan and environmental assessment through February 7, 2012. After the comment period ends, the Service will determine whether the application meets the permit issuance requirements. Send comments to hcpmainetrapping@fws.gov or to the Service’s Maine Field Office at 17 Godfrey Drive, Suite 2, Orono, Maine 04473. Comments sent through U.S. mail should be postmarked no later than February 7, 2012, to be considered

Click here for a shortened explanation of the highlights of the ITP. You are encouraged to provide comments on the plan.  Remember, these can be submitted to hcpmainetrapping@fws.gov.

2010 Land Trapping Begins in Montana

Get ready, Montana trappers! The land trapping season for protected furbearers begins on December 1. Here’s a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks:

Land furbearer trapping seasons open December 1 across much of Montana for bobcat, marten, fisher, and wolverine. Trappers after bobcat and wolverine must purchase their license by Tuesday, November 30.

For bobcat, each Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks region has a specific quota as well as a per-trapper limit. The total quota for Montana is 2,175 bobcats.

Trappers must personally report their bobcat harvest to FWP within 24 hours, and must present the pelt for tagging within 10 days after harvest.

Bobcats may also be hunted with or without the use of dogs; the same reporting and tagging requirements apply. The season extends until quotas are reached or through February 15 in Regions 1, 2, and 3, and through March 1 in Regions 4, 5, 6, and 7.

For marten, trappers must personally present marten pelts to a FWP representative for tagging within 10 days of the close of the season. The marten trapping season extends until February 15 in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

For fisher and wolverine, very restricted trapping seasons exist. The total fisher quota is seven, and only open in Regions 1 and 2. The wolverine quota is five, and open only in three of four wolverine management units.

Both species have female sub quotas. Special restrictions exist for trappers pursuing land furbearers in Regions 1 and 2 to avoid incidental capture of lynx.

Regulated trapping in Montana is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks through scientifically based regulations that sustain furbearer populations. FWP and the FWP Commission continually review and refine those regulations to ensure the use of best management practices for trapping activities.

Licensed trappers also provide FWP with important information that assists with wildlife management programs across the state.

Trapping has been underway since Nov. 1 for water species including muskrat, mink, beaver, and otter. Now that pelts are prime, trappers are also pursuing predator and nongame species such as coyote and red fox.

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NEW INFORMATION SHEET AVAILABLE ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT & REGULATED TRAPPING

Regulated trapping in Montana is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks through scientifically based regulations that sustain furbearer populations. FWP and the FWP Commission continually review and refine those regulations to ensure the use of best management practices for trapping activities. Licensed trappers also provide FWP with important information that assists with wildlife management programs across the state.

A new information sheet, Wildlife Management and Regulated Trapping in Montana, addresses trapping’s time-honored tradition in Montana, laws and regulations, the role of trappers in providing information on furbearers, wildlife management and sustainability, trapping ethics, trapper education, avoiding non-target catches, and human and pet safety.

The pamphlet is available at all FWP offices beginning Friday, November 26.

Change in Trapping Permits for Ohio Public Lands

Controlled Trapping Opportunities for Beaver and River Otter on Publicly Managed Lands

On-line application period will be open from September 15 to October 15

COLUMBUS, OH – Beaver and river otter trapping on public land will still require a special permit, but the method of acquiring the permit and permission to trap a particular public land area for beaver and river otters has changed, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

For the 2010-11 trapping season, controlled beaver and/or river otter trapping opportunities on 73 wildlife areas, state parks and other publicly managed lands statewide will be awarded through a new system of computer-generated random drawings, similar to the system used currently for controlled waterfowl and deer hunts in Ohio.

The application period will be September 15 through October 15. Applications will be accepted online only; there is a $3 charge associated with applying for each public land area or group of areas as will be noted on the application form.  In most areas, permits will allow beaver and river otter trapping (in counties currently open to otter trapping); however, some permits may be limited to beaver trapping only.

Drawing results will be available in late October at wildohio.com, with permits and instructions being mailed in November to successful applicants. All controlled trapping permits will be transferable; they will be issued to an adult trapper with instructions for use of the permit on a particular public land area.

This revised system for awarding controlled beaver and/or river otter trapping opportunities on select public lands in Ohio will allow area managers to set specific limits and restrictions based on the trapping opportunities and needs for their areas.

“Our mission is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, while promoting their use and appreciation by the public,” said Suzie Prange, furbearer biologist for the Division of Wildlife. “We feel providing fewer trapping restrictions, where warranted, will allow us to better manage beaver populations and provide a more fair system for all trappers with an interest in these recreational opportunities.”

For the wildlife refuge portions of Killbuck Marsh and Mosquito Creek wildlife areas, the current system will not change – they are not part of the online lottery system – instead, sealed bids will be accepted in September for all furbearer trapping opportunities at these areas.

For official bid proposal forms and other information, contact the Division of Wildlife District 3 Office in early September at (330) 644-2293. Also, beaver trapping within American Electric Power’s recreation area, known as ReCreation Land, Avondale Wildlife Area, and Conesville Coal Lands will continue to require a special beaver trapping permit which is in addition to the normal user’s permit. This special beaver trapping permit is issued from the AEP Land Management office in McConnelsville, Ohio.

For more specific information, please visit wildohio.com or call your nearest Wildlife district office.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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For more information, contact:
Suzie Prange, ODNR Division of Wildlife
740. 589. 9930
Gary Ludwig, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Central Ohio
614. 644. 3925
Scott Butterworth, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Northwest Ohio
419. 424. 5000
Dan Kramer, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Northeast Ohio
330. 644. 2293
Jim Hill, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Southeast Ohio
740. 589. 9930
Dave Kohler, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Southwest Ohio
937. 372. 9261

Kids Trapping Program Director Receives Award

Guy Erasmus, who heads up the “Take a Kid Trapping” program as part of the Canadian government’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, received a prestigious award from the Fur Institute of Canada.

It’s great to see successful programs like this that promote trapping for the next generation.  Here’s the press release:

GNWT Employee Receives National Award from the Fur Institute of Canada

R(16)463  - Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Fur institute of Canada (FIC) has recognized a Government of the Northwest Territories employee for his commitment to the trapping industry.The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment’s (ITI) Robert (Guy) Erasmus has been chosen as the recipient of the 2010 Jim Bourque Award. The FIC presents the award annually in recognition of an individual that reflects Bourque’s commitment to the sustainable use of resources, improved animal welfare, the development of Canada’s modern fur trade, the recognition of Aboriginal peoples’ cultures and the stewardship role that trappers play in the conservation and management of Canada’s wildlife.

Mr. Erasmus was nominated for his central role in the founding, development and implementation of ITI’s Take A Kid Trapping Program. This program began in 2002 and has been successfully implemented in all regions of the Northwest Territories, with nearly 1,500 youth taking part in the program in 2009/2010. Over 8,000 youth have enrolled in the program since its inception.

“Mr. Erasmus has done a remarkable job in promoting the traditional economy to NWT youth through the Take a Kid Trapping Program” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod. “His work has contributed greatly to traditional life skills development and to the NWT’s traditional economy, and I want to offer my congratulations to Mr. Erasmus on receiving this well-deserved honour.”

The award announcement was made at the 2010 FIC Annual Banquet in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The FIC annually recognizes outstanding individual achievements in the Canadian trapping industry with a variety of awards.

Through programs like the Take a Kid Trapping Program, ITI and the GNWT are working towards developing healthy, educated Northerners and safe, sustainable communities as envisioned in the 16th Legislative Assembly’s Northerners Working Together strategic vision.

For more information, contact:

Darren Campbell
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
867-920-8696

New York Trappers Sponsor Youth Trapping Camp This Fall

The following is a press release:

A Youth Trapping Camp is scheduled for over the Columbus Day weekend in western New York this fall. This first of its kind program for the northeast United States is sponsored by The New York State Trappers Association (NYSTA) in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) at DEC’s Camp Rushford in Alleghany County.

The Youth Trapping Camp will be held Oct. 8, 9, 10 and 11, 2010. Campers need to plan on arriving about supper time Friday night and stay until after lunch on Monday.

The NYSTA has designed this Youth Trapping Camp to extend and enhance the State’s current 8 hour long Trapper Education Class, which is required of all new trappers regardless of age. The program will allow for in-depth learning of the topics; history and ethics, types and correct uses of traps, disease and biology of management of fur bearers as well as the humane treatment of our naturally renewable resource. The DEC will issue permits to set traps and possess fur bearers for processing so youth will have the full experience of trapping. There will be an experienced trapping mentor for every one or two youth to insure close hands-on lessons.

This Youth Trapping Camp will be for 12-15 year-olds only. They do not have to have their Trappers Education certificate before the camp as there will be the chance to get it through the scheduled weekend events.
NYSTA is excited about offering this learning opportunity to our young people at a time when there are so many other activities being offered youth of this age and drawing them away from learning about the out-of-doors. There is a fee of $40.00 per student to cover the cost of food and supplies. By State policy there is no charge for instruction for the Trappers Education Class given by NYS volunteer instructors. There is a limit of 25 youth for this camp. NYSTA is also asking for donations to help defray the costs of putting on the Youth Trapping Camp.

The camp will be staffed by NYSTA members with DEC assistance where their expertise is better used. A few other states have similar programs and report them to be wonderful experiences for the young trappers.

Applications for the Youth Trapping Camp and any other information can be obtained from Pat Arnold at patriciaarno@gmail.com, Phone number 315-644-4643.