FUR FACTS
| Beaver |
| Castor Canadensis General Description: The beaver is a large aquatic rodent with webbed rear feet and a horizontally flattened, paddle-shaped tail. The largest North American rodent, beavers may be over 100 cm long. They may weigh more than 26 kilograms. With a soft, dense under fur ranging from pale gray to chocolate brown and rich brown guard hairs, their glossy, durable coat is an extremely valuable fur. Reproduction: Beavers are apparently monogamous (have only one mate). They breed January-March with the young born about 128 days later. Litters range in size from 1 to 8, but 2-4 are the usual number of kits. The young remain with the parents for about two years, maturing at 2-3 years of age. Beavers bear only one litter per year. Dens are either in large bank holes (burrows) or large dome-shaped, stick and mud lodges. Entrances and exits are generally below the surface of the water. Habitat: Beavers are semi aquatic mammals, and they are generally found near water. Young adults, looking for a new area to live, may travel considerable distances along very small water courses. Suitable habitat may be natural or constructed by the beavers (dams) where other conditions are favorable. Habits: Beavers are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). They prefer rather deep water and will construct mud and stick dams to create those preferred conditions. Typically each adult pair of beavers will construct a lodge that they occupy with their kits and yearlings. Beavers feed both on bark and aquatic vegetation. Winter food stores are composed of quantities of branches lodged in the bottom of the pond. Their preferred foods include aspen (poplar), alder, and willow; but several other types of trees are also used. Generally beavers use habitual runways in going from place to place. During the winter young beavers will remain fairly close to the lodge, while adults will range further from it. Late in the winter they will go considerable distances to areas of open water. Secretions of the castors (scent glands) are deposited on “mud pies” along the banks as a means of communication. Freshly cut trees or brush, tracks, and mud mounds are all signs of beaver activity. Dams, canals, and lodges where other signs are present indicate active beaver colonies. Trapping Tactics: Late winter beaver seasons coincide with the time when the fur is prime. It also limits trappers to under-ice trapping in northen states. During recent years the use of large body-gripping traps, such as the Conibear 330, has increased. Trappers are well advised to use these traps with caution, since setting killer traps too close to lodges can result in taking too many kits. With long-lived species, such as beaver, wise trappers will concentrate their efforts on taking only the larger, older, and more valuable specimens. In trapping open water, trail, scent mound, and runway sets are effective. Runway sets are also effective in under-ice trapping. Several variations of bait sets, using fresh twigs or other vegetation are also used under the ice. Slanted-pole sets and bait-pen sets (essentially an under-water cubby) are two popular variations. Most trappers prefer large body-gripping traps or strong size 3 or 4 traps for beavers. Placing traps on or within a certain distance of dams or lodges may be illegal in some states. Check your trapper’s guide or ask a conservation officer if in doubt about regulations. Baits and Lures: Castoreum, the secretion of the castors and oil glands located under the skin between the beaver’s hind legs, is the most frequently used beaver lure. Twigs or sections of branches from poplar, alder, willow, maple, or other trees are frequently used for bait. Sometimes trappers use other baits such as parsnips or apples. |
| Bobcat |
| Lynx rufus General Description: Reaching lengths to about 90 cm (with about a 13-cm tail) and weights to about 15 kilograms, bobcats resemble very large, short-tailed housecats in conformation. Bobcats are tawny to rusty with black spots even on their light undersides. Reproduction: Bobcats may breed at any time of year, but spring matings are most frequent. A litter of 2 to 4 young is born about 50 days later. The young are cared for by both adults. Family groups break up in the late summer or fall. Bobcat dens are usually in rock crevices, hollow logs, or dense windfalls. Habitat: Bobcats in Eastern North America are usually found in heavily forested areas or in dense woodland swamps. Habits: Bobcats are primarily nocturnal, solitary predators. Small mammals, birds, and occasional larger animals, like young beavers or deer, are hunted by stalk¬ing. Rodents and rabbits are their most frequent prey. Large prey animals and fresh carrion are usually covered with debris between feeding periods. Wandering widely, but within a moderately large home area, bobcats visit traditional trails around rocky ledges, stream banks, or bogs. They also follow old logging roads and deer trails. Trapping Tactics: Since bobcats hunt by both scent and sight, trappers often “flag” bobcat sets. Rabbit skins or flannel strips are often used to attract them to a set. Dirt hole sets, lured trail sets, and sets at fresh bobcat kills will take bobcats. Most trappers prefer size 2, 3, or 4 traps for bobcats. Baits and Lures: Lures are generally much more effective than are baits for bobcats. Fish oil, bobcat anal glands, oil of catnip, and beaver castor are all used as bobcat lure ingredients. Large carrion baits will sometimes attract cats during the late winter. |
| Coyote |
| Canis latrans General Description: Coyotes, or brush wolves, are quite similar to large, pale gray foxes in coloration and conformation. They have a gray to reddish gray pelage with slightly rusty legs, feet, and ears. Large specimens may weigh up to 23 kilograms with a total length of about 140 cm. The bushy tail, about 40 cm long, is carried low when the animal is running. Reproduction:Coyotes breed in January through early March with a gestation period of about 60 days; the young are born in April and May. Litters of 5 to 10 brown pups are normal. Coyotes will sometimes cross with feral dogs. Dens are generally excavated in loose soil, but rock ledges or other good cover are also used.Habitat: Large areas of open woodland, brushy wetlands, and rough, broken areas are the best areas to seek coyotes in Eastern Northern America. They are found in brush and open desert in the western parts of their range. Occurring over much of North America, coyotes have adapted to many types of habitat. Habits:Like the other members of the dog family, coyotes are mainly nocturnal predators. They will eat a wide variety of both animal and vegetable foods. Although small mammals make up a large part of their diet, they will also prey upon larger animals under some conditions. Coyotes are travelers, covering a hunting route of 20-25 kilometers. They are quite fast, reaching speeds up to about 65 kilometers per hour in short bursts. Sometimes hunting in pairs or family units, they have the endurance to run down larger prey. They will feed upon winter-killed game or other carrion when such food is available. Coyotes are extremely wary. With excellent scenting capabilities, they can detect poorly treated traps or sets easily. Like foxes, they approach new objects and large baits with caution. Because of their wide ranging habits, coyotes may not pass through a particular area for several days to weeks. Thus, sets that are not immediately successful should not be abandoned too soon. Trapping Tactics:Coyote pelts are prime during the mid-November through January period. As with foxes, trappers must weigh the value of pelts taken in the breeding season against the possible increase in the next season’s catch in planning trapping strategy. Dirt hole sets using size 3 or 4 traps are excellent fall coyote sets. A somewhat similar triangle or bare earth set is also useful. Coyotes can be taken on trails leading to large baits or even around the bait itself. Traps concealed in hair or feathers at a decomposed bait may take coyotes. Coyote trapping tactics are much like tactics used for “trapwise” foxes. Baits and Lures: Many commercial lures are available to coyote trappers. Coyote urine and anal gland secretions are generally the main ingredients of that lure. A strong smelling oil, such as fish oil, is a good base for the lure. Mink or skunk musk can improve the cold weather performance of the lure. Large baits, such as winter killed big game, will draw coyotes during the winter and early spring. Baits mentioned for use on foxes can also be used in trapping coyotes. |
| Fisher |
| Martes pennanti General Description: Fishers are large dark brown to black weasels. They resemble a large, short legged, black cat or a very large, heavy, dark mink. The guard hairs are frequently light tipped, giving the animal a frosted appearance. Males reach lengths of more than 100 cm with about 35 cm of that length being a dark tipped, bushy tail. Large males may weigh as much as 6 kilograms, but females seldom reach 3 kilograms in weight. Small fishers may be separated from large martens (Martes americana) by the absence of a buff throat patch. Reproduction: Fishers produce single litters of 1 to 5 young in late March or early April. They breed immediately after bearing their young, but they may have delayed implantation like several other members of the weasel family. The young remain with the female through the summer. Fisher dens are usually in hollow trees with a fairly large, high opening. At times rock crevices may also be used. Fishers frequently have several dens in their territory. Habitat: Fishers are found only in heavily forested regions. Habits: Fishers are extremely agile and active predators. Very much at home in trees, they even prey upon red squirrels and pine martens. Fishers are one of the few predators that regularly prey upon porcupines. They also feed upon raccoons, mice, birds, and other vertebrates. When abundant food, such as a dead deer, is located, fishers will den nearby until the supply is exhausted. These tireless hunters range over a large area, traveling at any time of day or night. Individual animals use well defined hunting trails quite frequently. They are solitary except during the breeding season and when young are with the females. Like other mustelids, the fisher emits a foul musk when disturbed. Trapping Tactics: Bait sets using a variety of cubby pens are generally considered best for fishers. Trail sets, placed along ridge lines, points, or routes of travel to large baits, will also account for some of them. Fishers may be over-trapped quite easily; so a wise trapper limits his or her take, leaving a few breeders to repopulate the trapping grounds. Size 2 traps are adequate for fishers. Baits and Lures: Fisher musk, fish oil, beaver castor, and oil of anise used either alone or in combinations are attractive to these valuable furbearers. Lure should be used on bait sets to increase their drawing power. Large baits of fresh porcupine, rabbit, or other available flesh are good for fishers. |
| Grey Fox |
| Urocyon cinereoargenteus General Description: The gray fox is much like the red fox in general conformation. Very large gray foxes may reach a length of about 105 cm with a bushy, black-tipped tail about 1/2 the length of the body. Gray foxes are generally somewhat smaller than reds, with weights up to about 6 kilograms. The gray pelt is made up of mixed dark and light guard hairs over a light gray brown under fur. The gray fox’s flanks, neck, and legs are a rusty tan to orange. Reproduction: Gray foxes breed in January and February with the young being born about 50-60 days later. Litters of from 1 to 7 young are normal. In most respects the reproductive behavior and denning habits of gray foxes are similar to those listed for red foxes. Habitat: Gray foxes seem to prefer more dense and moist cover than do red foxes. They are found in overgrown fields, swamps, and cut over woodland. Habits: The gray fox is a chiefly nocturnal predator. Being omnivorous, gray foxes consume insects, vertebrates, fruits, nuts, and berries. Like the red fox, the gray fox is an excellent mouser. Aside from their preference for denser cover, gray foxes are quite similar to their red relatives in behavior. Gray foxes and red foxes are rather intolerant of one another, but their habitat preferences tend to keep them from having great amounts of interaction. Trapping Tactics: The same set of trapping techniques used for red foxes may be used in trapping grays. Baits and Lures: The same baits and lures used for red fox trapping are employed in trapping gray foxes. Because gray foxes tend to dominate red foxes when they meet, either fox will be attracted to red fox urine. Gray fox urine will attract gray foxes but is less useful for red foxes. Most commercial lures are made up for red fox. |
| Mink |
| Mustela vision General Description: Minks are medium-sized members of the weasel family. Like the weasels, they have long, lithe bodies and short legs. Large males reach lengths in excess of 65 cm (tail about 23 cm) and weights of up to 1.4 kilograms. Females are somewhat smaller than males. Mink pelts are usually rich glossy brown, but pale brown or nearly black mink are sometimes taken. Minks can be distinguished from weasels by their white chin patch and brown ventral surface. While weasels are light underneath, minks will have only occasional white blazes or spots if they have any white at all on their bellies. The rather bushy tail is usually a bit darker than the body. The short, dense underfur of the mink is pale brown. Reproduction: Minks mate in the late winter, from January through March. Litters of 2 to 6 young are born in April or May after a variable gestation period averaging about 42 days. Only a single litter is born each year. Dens may be in debris piles, hollow logs, rock piles, or abandoned muskrat burrows or houses near water. Females usually remain near dens, while males wander over considerable distances. Habitat: Minks are most often found near streams, lakes, marshes, or swamps; but they may travel considerable distances from those wetlands. Habits: Minks are primarily nocturnal. Feeding mainly on fish, frogs, birds, and small mammals, these predators hunt primarily along watercourses. They are equally at home on land and water, but most of their traveling is done along stream or lake edges. Like raccoons, they enter the water readily to avoid obstructions. Minks are curious and thorough in their search for food. Nearly any hole, brush pile, hollow log, or other potential food-producing cover along their route will be visited. They are creatures of habit, visiting the same places on each trip through an area. Males tend to travel longer distances and near larger bodies of water than do females. Headwater areas are frequently the denning areas of resident females. Mink scats are generally abundant in such areas. Males will visit small feeder streams, spring runs, and even drainage tiles in their rounds. During the winter minks travel extensively under the ice, particularly shelf ice. Trapping Tactics: Mink fur is at its best from about mid-November until the beginning of January. Fur from animals taken later in the season is likely to be singed or sunburned. Mink are not prolific breeders. Trappers in headwaters areas must take care not to over trap their stock of breeding females. Minks are taken in a wide variety of sets. Water sets for rnink are less easily detected than are dry land sets. Since minks are reasonably trap shy, caution in making all sets is advisable. Blind sets where mink tracks enter or leave the water, at bank holes, or in small spring runs or drainage tiles are also effective. Cubby sets, particularly artificial bank hole cubbies using mink lure, are good mink sets. Dirt hole sets for fox or raccoon occasionally take minks. Runway sets and sets under shelf ice are also quite productive. Minks are strong and quick. Traps for them should be similarly strong and fast acting. Coil spring or under spring traps in sizes 1, 1 1/2, or 2 are preferred. Killer traps, such as the 110 and 120 Conibears, will take minks; but sometimes, wise minks will avoid the trigger forks and escape. Drowning sets should be used whenever possible when using jump traps. Baits and Lures:Muskrat musk, mink musk, mink scats, and beaver castor are all attractive to minks. Fish oil alone or in combination with the above ingredients is also a good lure. Many commercial lures are on the market. Minks much prefer fresh flesh; therefore, baits should be strictly fresh. Fish, poultry, or muskrat flesh will work well as mink baits; but more minks will generally be taken using good lures and blind sets. |
| Muskrat |
| Ondatra zibethica General Description: Muskrats resemble small beavers with long vertically flattened tails. They reach a total length of about 65 cm, with the tail being about 2/3 as long as the body. Weights of 1.5 to 2 kilograms are maximum. Their pelts are usually a rich glossy brown with the under fur being brown-tipped dark gray, but they may range from tan to black. The belly is a silvery gray to light rusty tan. Although these furbearers are small, they are abundant; and their annual dollar value probably exceeds all other North American furbearers. Reproduction: Muskrats breed through the spring and summer. While the usual numbers of young per litter are around 5 to 6, as many as 11 have been recorded. With a gestation period of 22-30 days, muskrats may have 2 or 3 litters per year. Dens may be in the form of bank burrows or conical huts (“pushups”) in relatively shallow water. Habitat: Muskrats are largely aquatic. They are found in fresh water or brackish water marshes, swamps, streams, lakes, and ponds. Nearly every farm pond has a muskrat population, and nearly any semi-permanent watercourse has at least a few. Old beaver ponds, both active and inactive, are excellent muskrat habitat. Habits: Like most other furbearers, muskrats are most active at night or during the dawn and dusk periods. They are frequently seen during the day, however. Although they are mainly aquatic, they will travel extensively along watercourses, even small spring runs, or over land. These travels are most frequently during the fall and right after ice-out in the spring. Muskrats have a high reproductive potential and thus can reach rather dense populations. When populations are high, adult males will have a tendency to fight. Fighting plus occasionally unsuccessful predation attempts by minks result in a high incidence of cut and damaged pelts in some populations. Although their teeth, like those of other rodents, are adapted to feeding on vegetation, muskrats will eat clams, mussels, frogs, and fish as well as cattails, rushes, water lilies, and other aquatic plants. They are also fond of fruit when it is available near water. Muskrats are creatures of habit with regard to their routes of travel. Their paths, both on land and in the water, are readily evident to the experienced eye. Constant traffic and pruning keep their travel avenues open as aquatic weeds grow. These channels, plant cuttings, muskrat tracks along banks, and scats are all signs of muskrat activity. Active bank burrows about 10-20 cm in diameter, feeding stations of cut grasses or cattails, and conical houses are also positive muskrat signs. Trapping Tactics:Muskrats are not trap shy. In most instances, well darkened traps set under water need no covering at all. Muskrats may be taken in bait sets, runway sets, and a variety of float sets. Blind sets in narrow waterways or along stream or pond banks are often productive. Wherever possible many trappers use body-gripping traps for muskrats. Foot hold traps in sizes 1 and 1 1/2 are also appropriate. Where the water is not deep enough to use a drowning set, a trap designed to prevent wring off (called a stop-loss) or a body gripping trap should be used. Muskrat pelts are at their best from January through March in northern areas. Baits and Lures: Muskrat lures and baits are numerous. Muskrat musk is frequently used in spring trapping. Fall and winter trappers use oil of sweet flag, spearmint, anise, or some other sweet smelling oil as an attractor. Fish oil is also attractive to muskrats. Sweet apples, parsnips, and carrots are all used successfully as muskrat baits. |
| Opossum |
| Didelphis virginiana (D. marsupialis) General Description: The opossum is about the size of a large house cat. Resembling a large, shaggy, cream-to-gray rat with a pointed snout full of teeth, this marsupial can reach total lengths (including tail) of 90-100 cm and weights to about 4.5 kilograms. With sparse, coarse, white guard hairs over black-tipped creamy underfur, the opossum has a light to dark gray body with black legs. The ears and tail are naked; both are black at the base and lighter at the tips. Reproduction: Opossums breed during the spring and summer, producing one or two litters each year. The young are born after about two weeks gestation, and up to 18 may enter the female’s pouch. Generally only 7 to 8 young survive to leave the pouch about two month later. Habitat: Opossums are found in brush, hedgerows, and orchards. Woodland edges, croplands, bottomlands, and even buildings are also likely areas to look for them. Dens are most often located in hollow trees, fallen logs, or burrows abandoned by woodchucks or skunks. Habits: These rather primitive animals are mainly nocturnal, being active at night. They are likely to feed on nearly anything, animal or vegetable, fresh or rotten. Opossums are not at all trap shy and may be taken in almost any kind of set. Having relatively small brains dominated by the olfactory (smell) regions, they are easily attracted to sweet or foul odors. Being rather slow of foot and unwary, they often employ threats and death feigning to avoid predation. Their tracks resemble a multitude of tiny, overlapping hand prints with a central drag mark made by the tail. The scats are variable, depending upon the types of food being taken. Opossums tend to remain in a relatively restricted area. Trapping Tactics: Very few trappers actually set their traps for opossums. Most of them are taken in sets made for more valuable species, particularly fox, raccoon, or mink. Dirt hole sets, cubby sets, and bulk-bait sets are among the more effective opossum catchers. Most trappers prefer #l 1/2 traps for opossum. The #220 Conibear or other similar sized body grip traps are effective where catching domestic animals is not a danger. Many trappers regard the opossum as an unwanted nuisance. Their relatively low value pelt must be well handled to be worth showing to a fur buyer. Since they are so unwary and they are not a wide ranging species, they can effectively be eliminated from an area by intensive trapping. The trapper must decide if such elimination is desirable on his or her trapping grounds. Opossums are prime from about November to March. Baits and Lures: Nearly any bait or lure will attract opossums. Poultry entrails, feathers, and tainted baits are all quite effective. Using expensive or elaborate baits or lures in trapping opossums is not necessary. |
| Otter |
| Lontra (Lutra) Canadensis General Description: Otters are large semi aquatic members of the weasel family. They have typical weasel conformation, reaching lengths to 110 cm and weights to 11 kilograms. The heavy tapered tail may be as long as 43 cm. Otters are brown above and gray below with very glossy pelts. Otter fur is very durable; it is used as the standard in fur durability. Having webbed feet, otters are very well adapted for life in water. Their scats are highly variable, but usually they contain masses of fish scales and bones. Otter slides and twisted tufts of grass (scent posts) are other signs of this highly prized furbearer. Reproduction: Otters breed during the late winter. Litters of 1 to 5 young are born about 60 days later. Both adults assist in rearing the young, and the family group remains together for about a year. Adult otters may mate for life. Otter dens are frequently located in bank holes, hollow logs, or abandoned beaver lodges. Habitat: Otters are primarily aquatic, but they travel overland for considerable distances when moving between streams. Rivers, lakes, beaver flowages, and small brooks within their range may be visited. Habits: Otters are almost entirely carnivores . Fish and other aquatic animals are their main food sources, but otters will take other prey when the opportunity arises. Active at any time of day or night, otters cover a large hunting area, as much as 100 kilometers or more along watercourses. Adult otters frequently travel in pairs as they make the rounds of their hunting territories. Even though young otters must be taught to swim, they are soon able to capture fish. They will eat the most easily caught species. Although otters are reportedly trout killers, they will eat rough fish more frequently than the more elusive trout. Otters seem to be very playful. They use slides and “rolling places” along their routes. Tufts of grass in these areas may be twisted and scent marked by the anal gland secretions.Trapping Tactics: Otters are extremely wary and trap shy. They are also quick and very powerful. Traps for otters must be heavy, fast, and strong. Most trappers use size 3 or 4 steel traps or large body gripping traps. In all cases, they must be very carefully concealed. Water sets should have drowning wires. Care should be taken with trap placement in order to get a foot hold using steel traps. Traps that are sprung by the otter’s body will result in a more trap wise otter. Trail sets are effective for otter if placed in a habitual travel route. Sets in trails leading to the top of a slide are much more effective than are sets at the base of the slide. Bait sets are sometimes successful, but lure alone often works better for these elusive animals. Blind sets in narrow spring runs or around holes in the ice of beaver ponds or rivers will also take some otters. Baits and Lures: Otter musk, used sparingly, is the best lure for otters. Beaver castor will also attract them. Other furbearers, such as raccoons, are often attracted by these lures. Whole fish are used as bait. Some trappers also use beaver flesh when baiting otter sets. |
| Raccoon |
| Procyon lotor General Description: Raccoons are heavy bodied animals with relatively long legs, a pointed snout, and a moderately long, ringed tail. The coat has a stippled appearance, with overall color ranging from gray to chocolate brown. The black bandit’s mask and ringed tail with alternate dark and light bands are distinctive. Raccoons reach lengths of more than 105 cm (tail about 30 cm) and weights in excess of 15 kilograms. The variegated guard hairs mix with long silky under fur, which ranges from pale tan to chocolate brown. Raccoon tracks resemble tiny human hand and foot prints, with the relatively long toes visible in soft surfaces. Although their scats are quite variable, the accumulations of berry seeds or pits, resembling small bear scats, are distinctive during the fall.Reproduction: Raccoons mate in February and March upon emergence from winter den sites. The young are born in April or May after a 63-day gestation period. Litters of about 2 to 7 are common with 4 being average. Raccoons bear only one litter per year. The young remain with the female until the fall. Raccoons den in hollow trees, logs, rocky ledges, and even in burrows made by other animals. Den trees can be recognized readily by smoothed bark, scratches, hair, and possibly scats. A wise trapper will not disturb dens, since they are used year after year by the ‘coons in that area. Habitat: Raccoons are most frequently found along wooded streams, lake shores, marshes, and swamps. They also inhabit upland areas where their preferred foods are available. Raccoons are well adapted to farm buildings or human dwellings, and populations within towns and suburban areas can be surprisingly high. Habits: Being highly adaptable animals, raccoons exist over a broad and varied range in North America. Raccoons are omnivorous, eating nearly anything that is available. They are efficient predators, feeding upon nestling birds, eggs, fish, frogs, crayfish, mussels, and insects. During the late summer and fall their diet contains large quantities of grain (particularly corn), berries, nuts, and fruit. Black cherries, apples, grapes, beechnuts, and acorns attract them to higher elevations. Although raccoons are excellent swimmers, they confine most of their activities to the banks and shallow water sections of lakes and streams. They will detour into water to avoid obstructions, and they use crossing logs when they are available. Raccoons are natural explorers with curiosity that can be used to a trapper’s advantage. Although raccoons become inactive during the winter, they are active during warm spells and thaws. At times good catches can be taken throughout the winter by exploiting those activity periods. Trapping Tactics:Raccoons are prime from about mid-November to January. Depending upon the weather, high quality fur may be taken as late as February or early March. Raccoon fur is quite prone to rubbing damage, singeing, or springiness later in the season. Many raccoons are taken in dirt hole or spring hole sets for foxes. Crossing log sets, cubby sets, and blind sets where they enter or leave the water are all good raccoon takers. Blind sets in spring runs or irrigation ditches are frequently productive. Many raccoons are taken when their curiosity causes them to explore a shiny, tinfoil covered trap pan placed in a shallow riffle. Since raccoons are strong, with rather slender legs and feet, a wise trapper uses a strong size 1 1/2 or 2 trap. Most trappers prefer to use drags rather than to anchor traps solidly when trapping for raccoons. If brush drags are used, however; they should be of hardwood because of the tendency of these animals to chew at the drag. Baits and Lures: Raccoons are attracted to a wide variety of lures. Sweet smelling lures such as oil of anise and putrid smelling lures like fish oil are both attractive. Mink musk is a good raccoon lure, as are many of those commercially available. Fresh or putrid flesh, honey, fish, and mussels are good raccoon baits. At times raccoons, as well as other fur-bearers, can be taken using only feathers or hair as an attractor at the set. |
| Red Fox |
| Vulpes vulpes (V. fulva) General Description: The red fox resembles a small shepard dog with a bushy tail, erect ears, pointed snout, and long legs. The normal color is a reddish yellow to rusty orange with a white-tipped tail, and black lower legs and feet. Darker color variations known as cross and silver foxes are relatively common in some areas. Foxes look larger than they really are. Larger specimens will reach lengths of about 105 cm with the bushy tail being about 3/5 as long as the body. Maximum weights are about 6 to 7 kilograms (about half as heavy as a beagle dog). The pelt features long glossy guard hairs with dense under fur ranging from nearly white to a medium gray brown in normally colored individuals. Occasionally foxes with woolly or singed looking coats nearly lacking in guard hairs are taken. These “Sampson foxes” are nearly worthless as fur animals, but fly tyers can make excellent use of them.Reproduction: Red foxes breed in late winter with the pups being born about 51 days later. Both adults take part in rearing the litter, which usually includes about 4-9 young. Foxes have only one litter per year. Foxes den in abandoned woodchuck burrows, old slab piles, under abandoned buildings, or in small rock caves. They may excavate their own dens in porous soils. Habitat: Red foxes prefer a mixture of mature, open forest and open fields. Farming country often supports excellent fox populations. Habits: Red foxes are mainly nocturnal, but they are frequently active during the day. Fond of winter sunbathing, they can often be seen on slopes with a southern exposure. Foxes are primarily predators, eating insects, small vertebrates, and some carrion. They also feed on fruits, nuts, and berries when those foods are readily available. Foxes frequently hunt and travel along field edges, game trails, woods roads, and cleared rights-of-way. They tend to work along hedgerows and other strips of cover rather than the central parts of open areas. Foxes are wary—having excellent hearing, good eyesight, and finely tuned scenting abilities. They come to baits cautiously, tending to look the area over carefully from an elevated spot such as a log or ant hill before committing themselves. Foxes range over a rather large area (up to 5-6 square kilometers) marking their travels much like domestic dogs by urinating on prominent objects. Trapping Tactics: Fox pelts are prime from about mid-November through the beginning of January. After that time the pelts may begin to show some sunburn. In addition, if the area is heavily trapped, taking breeding foxes from the population by late winter trapping may reduce catches in subsequent years. Except in rare instances, summer fox trapping should be discouraged. Many experienced fox trappers claim that foxes are no more difficult to catch than are opossums. Most of them qualify that statement by adding “once you get the hang of it.” Because foxes are cautious and possessed of excellent noses, traps and sets must be well concealed and free from foreign odors. Good fox trappers are careful trap handlers and set makers. In all probability, the dirt-hole set and variations on it have taken more foxes than all other sets combined. A relatively dog proof set can be made by taking advantage of a fox’s caution in approaching a large bait. The so called mound set places a trap on the observation post. Because foxes do not seem to like getting wet, the crossing log and spring hole sets will yield a number each year. Trail sets and cubby sets (particularly in the snow) also account for a number of foxes. The scent post set takes advantage of a fox’s territory marking system. Most fox trappers use steel traps in sizes 2 and 3. Baits and Lures: Good, strong red fox urine is an excellent fox lure. Foxes are also attracted to a variety of rotten flesh lures (particularly fox), fish oil, and skunk or mink musk. Many commercial lures are available. Often trappers make their own, however. A wise trapper will test the lure on a few sets before using it on the rest of the line. Fox baits are generally made up of fresh or partially decomposed red meats. Some trappers use pieces of honeycomb or even mouse nests as bait for fox. Discarded livestock carcasses, big game entrails, or other large baits will attract foxes as the season progresses. |
| Skunk |
| Mephitis mephitis General Description: The striped skunk should need no introduction. Skunks are variable studies in black and white, ranging from nearly all black to black with a single broad white band from crown to tail tip. Large skunks may reach lengths up to about 70 cm with about 25cm of that being heavily furred tail. Weights up to 6 kilograms have been recorded. Like most other members of the weasel family, skunks have hard, glossy guard hairs and dense underfur. They also share in the odiferous musk glands common to that family. Reproduction: Skunks mate about the time of the first warm weather in February and March. Litters of up to 10 young (usually about 5) are born in May after a 63-day gestation period. The young remain with the mother until midsummer. Dens are found under buildings, rock piles, sawmill slab piles, hollow logs, or abandoned woodchuck burrows. Winter dens are usually some form of ground burrow. Habitat: Skunks prefer rather open country. Farmland with a mixture of brush, woodlands and fields is ideal skunk habitat. Habits:Skunks are mainly nocturnal, but their activity period includes both dawn and dusk. They are omnivorous opportunists in their food habits. Large numbers of insects and small rodents as well as frogs, snakes, eggs, birds, berries, fruits, and carrion are eaten. Skunks become inactive during cold winter weather, but they emerge to feed during warm periods. Males wander widely during the breeding season. Skunks depend upon their scent glands for defense. As a result of their effective glands, skunks are relatively unwary and easily observed.Trapping Tactics: Skunks are prime from November to January. Their habit of denning during cold weather dictates that they be trapped most intensely during the early part of that period. Skunks are not trap shy, and they can be taken in a wide variety of sets. Many blunder into dirt hole sets for fox or raccoon. Round sets with large baits, cubby sets, and blind sets in trails near dens account for large numbers of skunks. Size l 1/2 or 2 traps are most frequently used. Baits and Lures: Fish oil, skunk musk, and asafetida are all good skunk lures. Sweet smelling lures such as oil of anise can also draw skunks to your sets. Fresh or decomposed flesh, bulk baits made up of chicken entrails and feathers, or similar rank smelling baits are effective for skunks as well as opossums. Because of their wide ranging food habits, skunks are easily baited. |
| Weasel |
| Long-tailed: Mustela frenata Short-tailed: Mustela erminea General Description:Weasels are long bodied, lithe animals with short legs. During most of the year they are brown with a white throat and abdomen. In the winter they become all white with only a black-tipped tail. The larger, long-tailed weasel reaches a length of about 42 cm (tail about 15 cm) and a weight of about 340 grams for males. Male short-tailed weasels, or ermine, reach lengths of about 33 cm (tail about 7 cm) and weights of about 170 grams. Females of both species are smaller than males. Weasel pelts feature a short dense under fur and abundant short glossy guard hairs. Color ranges from white to cream in winter specimens.Reproduction: Weasels mate during the summer, but the young do not begin to develop until the late winter or early spring. The single yearly litters of both species are born in April or May. Litters of 4-8 young are normal for both species. Long-tailed weasel females breed during their first summer, but males do not mature until the next season. Ermine dens are often lined with the fur of mice they have eaten. Both weasels den in rock piles, old buildings, burrows, and hollow logs or stumps. Habitat: Weasels seem to need standing water, but they are found in almost all habitats. Brushy fields and hedgerows are excellent places to look for signs. Habits: Although these animals are mostly nocturnal, they are often active during the day. They are tireless hunters, preying mainly upon small mammals and a few birds. Weasels are very efficient killers, using their canine teeth to pierce the skulls of their prey. Prey up to the size of rabbits is most commonly taken, but larger animals are sometimes attacked either as potential prey or in defense of young. Where abundant prey is found, weasels will sometimes kill them in large numbers. Excess prey items are cached for later use. Weasel depredations of entire chicken flocks are a result of that instinctive killing and caching behavior. Weasels consume the entire prey. They do not merely suck the blood of their prey as many people believe. Weasels are not particularly wary of humans. Many accounts tell of human encounters with weasels in which the weasel seemed intent on bluffing its way through. Larger predators take weasels on occasion; but these little predators, equipped with needle teeth, a shrill scream, and foul smelling musk, are formidable defenders.Trapping Tactics: Weasels are not particularly trap shy. They can even be taken in uncovered traps. Cubby sets, bait sets using bloody baits, and blind sets in holes or along stone walls or logs make good weasel sets. Size 0 and 1 traps with very light pan action should be used. Since they are extremely valuable to farmers and around camp areas, trappers should exercise some restraint in trapping for them. They should not be taken purposely until after they are completely white in late December. Baits and Lures: Weasels are interested in fresh bloody baits. Baits need not be large; a chicken head or rabbit head is sufficient. Weasel musk is an excellent weasel lure that is very useful for other animals as well. Weasel scats are also good lures. Fish oil or another foul smelling oil will attract them. A box baited with grain will attract mice that will in turn attract weasels |