Recent record-high prices for fox pelts may cause more trappers in Northwest Territories (Canada) and beyond to target fox in their operations. Here's an excerpt from a CTV News article that reports on the high prices: The Northwest Territories government is hoping record prices for fox fur pelts will encourage northern trappers to target the critters and keep a check on the … [Read more...]
Market for Muskrats Gains Attention
The Wall Street Journal just posted an interesting article on the recent rise in demand and prices for muskrat furs. They took the time to interview several trappers and relay their thoughts on the muskrat market, as well as the fur market in general. The North American muskrat market has been booming, thanks to soaring purchases by Chinese and other newly rich nations that … [Read more...]
Feds Moving to Delist Wolves in Wyoming
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is moving closer to delisting the gray wolf in Wyoming as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Wolf populations have expanded significantly in recent years, and wolves have been removed from the ESA list in neighboring Montana and Idaho. Under an agreement reached in August by Fish and Wildlife officials and Gov. Matt Mead, the … [Read more...]
New Zealand School Program Promotes Possum Trapping
Project Possum, a new program offered by a collaboration of New Zealand groups, is promoting possum trapping as a career path for area students. The program would teach trapping methods and fur preparation and marketing of possum pelts. Susan Karels, the council's regional Enviroschools co-ordinator, says the training stems from twin desires to offer participants the chance … [Read more...]
Muskrat Trapping Extended in Illinois
Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed a bill on Tuesday that extends muskrat trapping in the state. Muskrats are found throughout the state, and trapping of the species is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Congratulations, Illinois trappers! In a time where it seems like trapping rights are constantly being eroded, it's nice to see new trapping … [Read more...]
Montana Passes Wolf Resolution
The Montana House of Representatives passed a resolution today to urge the federal government to remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List. The vote? 99-1. That's right. 99% of house members agreed that wolf management needs to be returned to the state. What effect will the resolution have? I'm not sure, but it probably won't do much. As far as I can tell, … [Read more...]
Rare Cougar Caught in Manitoba
A surprised Manitoba, Canada trapper found a rare cougar in one of his coyote snares last week. One of only four cougars found in the province since 1973, this discovery has attracted great interest from Wildlife Department scientists. It is suspected that the cougar may have roamed into the area from North Dakota. Read more below: Manitoba Trapper Finds Cougar Scientists … [Read more...]
Eastern Timberwolf to be Delisted in 2011?
Trappers and hunters have a lot to look forward to in 2011, including the potential removal of a furbearer from the U.S. Endangered Species List, but I wouldn't start holding my breath just yet. The Trapper and Predator Caller blog reports that the Eastern Timber Wolf is expected to be removed from the Endangered Species List by the end of the year, returning wolf management … [Read more...]