After many decades of extinction, river otters have returned to the state of Indiana. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources re-introduced otters beginning 15 years ago in hopes to re-establish the species. About 300 individuals were introduced, and otters are now found in over 70 counties throughout the state. "We started by releasing 25 otters at the Muscatuck National … [Read more...]
New Mexico Governor Bans Trapping in Wolf Recovery Area
Amidst a slew of propaganda from animal rights activists and members of the media, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson ordered the New Mexico Game and Fish Department to impose a six month ban on trapping in the area along the New Mexico-Arizona border where gray wolves were introduced beginning in 1998. The ban halts trapping in the area until a study can be completed to … [Read more...]
Idaho Approves Wolf Trapping in 2010
This week, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the use of trapping to harvest wolves for the upcoming wolf season in the state. The preliminary approval does not set specific wolf trapping regulations, but simply approves trapping as a method of take. Detailed seasons and regulations pertaining to wolf trapping would be specified prior to the beginning of the … [Read more...]
New Hampshire Study Documents Higher Bobcat Numbers
A four year trapping and tagging study by the University of New Hampshire and NH Fish and Game is beginning to document a significant comeback in bobcat numbers in the state. As of late last month, UNH faculty and students, trappers and Fish & Game personnel involved in the effort had tagged 12 bobcats, collared them and taken small bits of tissue for DNA … [Read more...]
West Virginia Proposes New Otter Trapping Season
Texas isn't the only place river otters are making a comeback. The recovery of otter populations in a number of states across the nation has been an exciting trend, and is opening up the opportunity for responsibly regulated trapping seasons. Just recently, wildlife officials in the state of West Virginia announced their plans to allow the trapping of river otters beginning … [Read more...]
Province Announces Coyote Bounty Program
Just this week, the Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister announced a new program that will offer a $20 bounty on coyotes killed in the province. The Saskatchewan Coyote Control Program aims to reduce coyote predation on livestock in the province's agricultural land. In addition to the $20 bounty on coyotes, the program also provides funding for ranchers to install better fences … [Read more...]
Missouri Lifts Restrictions on Otter Trapping
For the first time in recent history, the state of Missouri has lifted harvest level restrictions on the river otter, marking a high point in one of the most successful conservation stories in the United States. Just a few decades ago, Missouri's otter population was considered almost nonexistent, with only an estimated few dozen otters left in isolated locations. The plight … [Read more...]
Wolverine Quota Reduced, But Trapping Opportunity Remains in Montana
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently voted to continue to allow wolverine trapping in the state, but has reduced the quota from ten animals to an allowable harvest of five wolverines statewide. The quota reduction was based on biological data and recommendations from agency biologists that suggested the harvest should be cut back. While trappers would … [Read more...]