AFWA Midwest Furbearer Workshop, Omaha, NE September 07
Informal Notes by Dave Hastings, editor of Fur Taker
These are not official minutes, but rather my personal notes and observations from the workshop. Please take that into consideration when considering reproductions, etc.
It would seem of higher interest to trappers and trap manufacturers to first discuss the presentation regarding the new traps and snares, so I will “cut to the chase” on that issue, followed by a report of the rest of the presentations.
We had excellent response by manufacturers regarding our request to send us “new” traps to be presented to the BMP biologists at the conference. 29 traps and snares were discussed and displayed. The sheer number was testimony to the creative efforts of the trapping industry to improve devices, both for efficiency and for animal welfare. The discussion was well received, and I was given a half hour to discuss, after which we took a break, and many of the attendees spent the break examining the traps carefully, and discussing them with me and with one another.
During the presentation I was able to stress the point that the current process doesn’t seem sufficient to address the newer traps and that the AFWA needs to have a better plan for this. Gordon Batcheller was not there, but he recently led several of us to believe that we were likely to see some amended language in the BMS, perhaps along the lines of, “…the trap tested was a Victor 1-1/2 coil, and the following appear to be functionally comparable (although they have not yet been tested) Duke 1-1/2 coil, Montgomery 1-1/2 coil, Bridger 1-1/2 coil, etc.) (My wording, based upon my understanding of the intent. I may be wrong—this may not develop.) I have queried Batchellor on this and awaiting a reply.
I carried the traps then with me to Indiana to the Fur Takers College, where I displayed them for the students. My presentation there was not about the traps, but they were on the table for interested trappers. I intend to display these at our NE convention, and any others I attend this fall. There is a possibility that I might also offer to present at the national AFWA meeting, usually the end of January.
The workshop began with a brief introduction by Sam Wilson, NE Non-game biologist, Nebraska Game and Parks. Sam pointed out that Dave Hamilton, MO DNR had unexpectedly passed away recently. Dave was a respected member of the AFWA community.
A general welcome was offered by Jim Douglas, Nebraska Game & Parks Wildlife Division Administrator.
The conference speakers, their topics, and some highlights of their talk follow.
Todd Gosselink (IA DNR) reported on the population ecology of bobcats in Iowa. His presentation was followed by Ron Andrews, (IA DNR) Upcoming Bobcat Season. Populations of bobcats in IA, as in most Midwestern states, are increasing.
Gosselink discussed an extensive research project in IA, and expressed an appreciation to IA trappers, who made much of the data collection possible. If an incidental bobcat was taken by trap in the study area (approximately 5,000 square km), and the trapper called the researchers, then the researchers responded and met the trapper in the field. The cats were anesthetized, data taken, and then fitted with a radio telemetry collar. Trappers who participated were paid $100.00. Gosselink estimated that 80% of the data gathered in the study came from this kind of trapper participation. Over 500 carcass exams contributed to the general data. The conclusions were that bobcats in IA followed typical bobcat studies elsewhere—males had home ranges 5 times larger than females; they follow forested habitats, and travel much when those habitats are linked by forested corridors, such as river valleys, etc. Little activity was noted in areas of extensive row crop farming. Average distance emigration of yearlings was 27.5 km for females, 101.6km for males. The majority of reproduction occurred with the females from 1 to 3 years of age. One interesting note is that according to their study, bobcats released from traps experienced an 80% survival rate. Most of these occurred during November, before extremely cold temperatures may have affected that, based on frozen feet, but the numbers did seem high.
Recently, a limited quota bobcat season was proposed for IA, and barring some kind of injunction, will take place this fall in the southern two tiers of the counties. A 150-bobcat quota will be taken during season, with a one-cat per trapper limit, and a 48-hour grace period upon completion of the quota fulfillment. This quota is considered the “ultra conservative” number that can be taken without harming the general population, while maximizing the recreational opportunity. Andrews said that he hoped the limited quota number was a “foot in the door” and that if the population data supported a larger harvest, then that would be on the agenda in the future.
Daniel Thompson (South Dakota State University) reported on Indicators of population saturation in a semi-isolated cougar population (The Black Hills)
Between 2003 and 2005, the Black Hills Mountain lion population home range size average decreased from 182 km squared to 107 km squared, indicating a crowding of cat territories. Lions have been radio tracked (especially yearling males) leaving the Black Hills for several years, traveling many miles and to many other states and provinces, which also indicates a general crowding of the cats there. Since the habitat is so isolated, it is believed that the lions do emigrate if crowded out. Since 1999, radio tracking suggests that no dispersing yearling male lions have repopulated in the Black Hills since 1999. They are leaving for other territories. Interestingly, the female lion population is occasionally sharing territory more often than historically, which is also probably an indicator that they are saturated in density. It seems that the lions have reduced the occurrences of predation on porcupines, a historically necessary food source. Thompson suggested that porcupine populations were low recently, and suggests that the lions are adapting to habitat change.
Bryant White reported on the current status of the
BMP trap testing process.
8 BMPs have been released so far (A general intro and seven species), and five
more will be out by October (Beaver, Muskrat, River Otter, Fisher, and Nutria).
Five more are slated for 2008 (Marten, weasel, mink and skunk [sorry, I missed
the fifth one].)
Also, the AFWA will be publishing a survey of state regulations on the website, targeting the end of September. (Bryant left early in the conference to be involved in the funeral arrangements for Dave Hamilton.)
Mark Statham (Kansas State University) reported on the biogeography of the red fox in North America. A historical survey and DNA analysis suggests that the continent had a western/mountain population, and second population could be found in AK and the Pacific Northwest, probably historically migrating from Asia. A third genetic pool comes from the East Coast where the red fox were imported from Europe for fur farms, and for hunting opportunities. Other introductions did occur, such as one in Puget Sound to reduce rabbit populations. These various gene pools as sources may explain part of the appearance differences of the “mountain-west” fox, compared to the Newfoundland version, or the East Coast Cherry red.
Carla McCullough, University of NE, reported on a study done on the hydrologic characteristics of beaver dams in SE Nebraska. From an agricultural point of view, beaver damming is a significant event regarding water flow and stream flow in many areas of the country. Incised creeks and channelization have changed water flow and erosion, silting, etc. Beaver also agrade streams, capturing sediment. No real surprises were mentioned, except perhaps confirmation of anecdotal observations, such as major flooding events can destroy dams, even to the point that beaver will not rebuild.
Justin Hoffman, University of NE spoke on shifting distributional patterns of animals in the Great Plains. Animals such as the black bear, otter, wolf, lynx, wood chuck and bobcat seem to be in serious expansion of range dynamics. The least weasel is moving south and west.
Dallas Virchow, Wildlife Services, Reported on comparing Midwestern rabies cycles in diagnostic procedures. Internationally there are 5,500 deaths per year due to rabies, with domestic dogs responsible for the majority of exposures. In the US, wildlife is responsible for most exposures. 2003 was a spike year for rabies in NE. NE appears to be a bit of a border for the prevalence of the strain called “Raccoon Rabies” and its cousin “Skunk Rabies.” Skunk populations tend to cycle in density, often with a 3 – 5 year boom-to-bust, but Iowa recorded numbers indicating a 9 year cycle, suggesting that regional differences create different timelines.
Ricky Woods, Wildlife Services, Surveillance of Rabies in NE. In the US, rabies exposures cost Americans $300 dollars annually. 90% of ours comes from wildlife encounters. When responding to nuisance skunk complaints, the researchers found rabies present 35% of the time, indicating in rabies areas, skunks responsible for citizen complaints are positive for rabies over 1/3 of the time. 7% of the roadkills showed positive. Interestingly trapped raccoons (taken on furbearer traplines in season in the area) only showed a 0.02% prevalence.
Heather Barton, Kansas State Univ., presented on population dynamics of striped skunk and its success at rabies transmission. The single strand RNA Rabies virus is an adaptable organism, and mutations and adaptations make it possible for them to switch hosts and spread in spite of conditions. Skunks in particular have high densities, high amount of migration, high social interaction, little or no social sub-structure, and great genetic diversity. As the professor put it, “There’s one big ole sea of skunks out there.” $500 million is lost in livestock losses per year, and $300 Million a year is spent on rabies prevention.
Dallas Virchow, Wildlife Services, discussed the Surveillance of Plague and Tularemia in the Midwest and West. Virchow is in the process of solidifying a system of surveillance for rabies, plague and tularemia. Coyote becomes a “sentinel” species, as they prey on animals that often show presence for plague, such as the prairie dog. The four corners area of the Southwest has been a focal point. WY has noted 5 human cases of Tularemia, one of which was fatal. In Eastern WY, 30% of the coyotes showed positive exposure to Plague, and 25% to Tularemia. Research on blood serum analysis of coyotes by Richard Bischoff (and yours truly!) showed much lower numbers in Nebraska, but existence, nonetheless.
Steven Vantassel, University of Nebraska, reported on the developments of the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management. The website is ICWDM.org. Data of all kinds, such as a summary and publications from the Invertebrate and Vertebrate Pest Conference are posted, as well as volumes of data designed to help agency people and the public find answers to specific questions regarding ADC problems. Vantassel uses lots of photos on a “digital commons,” arguing that photos tell a story better than words, particularly for a public who won’t read. Interesting data: there are 480,000 car/deer collisions per year, costing over 1 billion dollars.
John Olsen, Wisconsin DNR, spoke on Wisconsin’s Fur School. Several versions of the WI fur school exist, including special trapper ed for game wardens, and one for non-trapping college students (Fur School For U) WI has mandatory trapper ed attendance, and the school is taught mostly by trapper association instructors. One of the major goals is to increase the “informed public” can better make decisions on trapping. He says the course is “…not designed to make you a trapper, but rather to educate students so that they can make informed decisions on trapping.” Plans are in place to establish a national fur school on the WI model.
Dave Hastings, Fur Takers of America, reported on the newest traps and snares on the market. See initial notes. (If you would like a complete listing of the traps on display, please let me know and I’ll e-mail it to you.)
Kevin Blecha KCFWRU, reported on survey methods to test for the presence of river otter in Eastern Kansas. Lots of analysis of current software and methods to analyze occupancy models. Lots of math and computer; not much biology.
Sam Wilson, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, reported on the pilot study of river otter in NE. Last fall, with the help of Nebraska trappers, 5 otter were fitted with radio collars and data is currently being recorded about their location and movements. This fall they hope to tag 10 more. Of special note was otter behavioral responses in drought situations. In recent years, the Platte River has been dry on occasion, and the study may help biologists know “where the otter go when the river dries up.” (Sam was very appreciative of the trappers who helped. A loose summary of one detail is that he said, “Joe Jack took us out, got us permission from the landowner, and pointed to a spot on the river bank and said, ‘Set your trap right here.’ We did and we caught otter there.”) Otter were trapped and transported to the Lincoln Zoom, where the transmitters were surgically implanted in the abdomens of the animals. Otter were trapped with double jawed #11s, and no trap injuries were noted in the catch and release collection.
700 otter signal locations have been noted, and over 100 den sites have been identified. One otter has traveled over 80 miles from the release location so far. It is early in the research, so no conclusions have been formed.
Ron Andres, Iowa DNR, reported on the first ever modern otter trapping season in Iowa. Between 1985 and 2003, 345 otter were trapped in LA and released in IA. Current estimates suggest that there are over 7,000 otter in IA. In 07-08, a limited quota season was opened, with a target of 400 otter, two per trapping license. It took ten days to fill the quota, with over 60% reporting unintentional catches (Coon sets, beaver sets, etc.) May look at expanding the take in the future.
The last morning, each state gave a report on data on their harvests and political issues.
Iowa-Ron Andrews- looking at first modern Bobcat season, and the second otter season. Bobcats may be harvested in the bottom tier of counties in southern IA. Due to unintended language in legislation, the holding and transport of live coyotes in IA is illegal. 3 years since the last validated Mtn Lion report in IA.
Minnesota- John Erb-Mandatory Trapper Ed now in MN, with instruction through the MN Trappers Association. Wolf management has been returned to the state of MN with the successful repopulation of the species, but no harvest is allowed for the first 5 years after de-listing. Politics on the dryland bodygrip trap and incidental dog catches. Seems to have temporarily died down, but will return. (One trapper set next to a kid’s bus stop—took dog in front of kids, extremely poor choice of set location.) May need to consider small changes, as current regs are very liberal. The DNR was told to “address the issue.” Otter harvest zones are expanded to about the upper 2/3 of the state. Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge was focal point for controversy. Refuge manager took the position that trapping on the refuge occurred only with animals who had a detriment on the ecosystem, which went through several go-arounds. Mostly it is a question of if in fact a state has the authority to manage wildlife. Refuge manager seems to have backed off a bit. The Canada Lynx lawsuit has been trudging along. The eagle and wolf have been dropped from the lawsuit because of a change in their listing on the ESA. Maine seems to be the hotbed right now, in a similar lawsuit. The Animal Protection Institute wants to hold the state responsible if any trapper accidentally takes (Meaning even temporarily holds in a trap and then releases) a Canada Lynx. Both states may find some resolution in the “Incidental Taker permit” process with the ESA. Both Fisher and Marten are part of 6-10 year studies.
Kentucky- Laura Patton. This is the second year of a “Free Youth Small Game Hunting and Trapping Week” program. Bobcat season went well with a limit of 5 in KY. KY has worked on a standardization of trap sizes to deal with the variations of manufacture. For example, rather than listing the approved trap size, the regulation will read with something to the effect that no trap with a maximum inside jaw measurement of 6” or over is to be used. Bodygrips on land must be less than 7.5”. KY DNR has fought the live sale of coyotes. KY Dept. has pledged to work with landowners to mitigate coyote problems. 719 otter taken in regular season, 70 reported as “hunted.” 1859 bobcat taken. Trapper ed has been added to hunter ed. KY has produced a brochure entitled, “What happened to my cat?”
South Dakota- Tony Leif. “Open Fields Doctrine” is in contention, allowing COs to enter private land to investigate. Discussion of certain trap restrictions, and possible restrictions of bodygrip traps on road right-of-ways. Efforts to add things such as 660 feet from occupied residence, posting signs, defeated. Controversy over non-resident license reciprocity occurs, such as non-resident season starts later than resident season. Set a record harvest of bobcat with 934 taken last year. Third year for limited season/quota on lions, some increase in number to be taken; area of harvest increased. Last year there were 12 removals of lions due to threat to humans, and 9 lion mortalities due to car collisions.
Ohio- Chris Dwyer’s position not yet filled. Last year 137 otter taken, previous year, 285—“lots of ice and heavy snow may have reduced trapper take.” An “apprentice” trapping license is available, and a lot were sold.
Nebraska- Sam Wilson. Record bobcat harvest of over 1,600 animals. Some indications that bobcat populations are highest in areas of high mange prevalence in canids. Sam is working to add a lifetime trap license to the current hunt and fish. Outdoor expos have done trapping demos for over 15,000 people. The trapping in road right-of-way ban was discussed, with much interest in the “slick politicking” of the ban proponents. Issue never came to a public meeting. G&P met with senator on seven occasions, all of which were simply ignored on final vote of issue. Trapper in question who killed the lobbyist’s dog
With multiple infractions was caught and fined. Said, “I didn’t know all those things were illegal.” Obviously paid little to no attention to laws, so the new ban is probably meaningless to such, but a great hindrance to law abiding trappers.
Kansas - Matt Peek. Matt pointed out the significance of the Presidents’ Executive Order on August 17th, requiring the “…facilitation of hunting and wildlife conservation…” Matt believes this may help with refuge managers, for example, who resist trapping on government lands for no good reason. Federal agencies are also to consider the economic and recreational values of hunting and management. Trapping has been resisted on some federal and state lands because it shows a profit, classifying it with mining and logging. The Presidential Executive order may help with that. Many areas are producing a “:Comprehensive Conservation Plan,” and this may change how consumptive use activities are dealt with. (Makes me wonder if we won’t have a tool in the confrontation over government trappers competing with private trappers for damage contracts.)