Summary of Trapping Regulations for Fur Harvesting in the United States

A “Summary of Trapping Regulations for Fur Harvesting in the United States and Canada” was originally conducted by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Fur Resources Technical Subcommittee in 1995. Over the last decade trapping devices and methods, as well as the regulations that guide them have undergone changes. The summary data of furbearer trapping regulations contained in this report were gathered during the summer/fall of 2007 in an effort to capture those regulation changes and report the current conditions and restrictions within existing laws for the harvest of 26 species of furbearers by regulated trapping throughout the United States. The annual harvest of wild furbearers occurs under the conditions set forth in regulations promulgated within each state. An on-line survey was developed and distributed to wildlife agencies in 49 U.S. states (excluding Hawaii). Information was compiled under five major categories: 1) training and licensing 2) bodygrip traps 3) foothold traps 4) trap placement and 5) snares. Response rate to the survey was 100%. The survey contained 113 questions. Information presented on any page of this report is only a single component within more comprehensive regulations. To understand the full relevance and importance of any response, the listed information needs to be examined within the context and in concert with all other existing regulations. Despite these constraints, the information within this report is very useful to furbearer managers to help examine technologies and initiate and make furbearer management decisions. The Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is grateful to all agencies for their cooperation in gathering this information

Ecology and Behavior of Blue Jays In Oklahoma Pecan Orchards

Effective stewardship of wildlife resources requires a biological understanding of those resources. My study was initiated to provide baseline data for management of depredating blue jays in Oklahoma pecan orchards. I concentrated my efforts in 3 major areas of jay biology: population characteristics (numbers and composition), habitat-use patterns, and behavior. It is my hope that management practices stemming from these data will provide a material benefit to Oklahoma pecan growers, and that I will have contributed in a small way to the advancement of the wildlife profession.Wildlife Ecolog

Summary of Trapping Regulations for Fur Harvesting in the United States

A “Summary of Trapping Regulations for Fur Harvesting in the United States and Canada” was originally conducted by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Fur Resources Technical Subcommittee in 1995. Over the last decade trapping devices and methods, as well as the regulations that guide them have undergone changes. The summary data of furbearer trapping regulations contained in this report were gathered during the summer/fall of 2007 in an effort to capture those regulation changes and report the current conditions and restrictions within existing laws for the harvest of 26 species of furbearers by regulated trapping throughout the United States. The annual harvest of wild furbearers occurs under the conditions set forth in regulations promulgated within each state. An on-line survey was developed and distributed to wildlife agencies in 49 U.S. states (excluding Hawaii). Information was compiled under five major categories: 1) training and licensing 2) bodygrip traps 3) foothold traps 4) trap placement and 5) snares. Response rate to the survey was 100%. The survey contained 113 questions. Information presented on any page of this report is only a single component within more comprehensive regulations. To understand the full relevance and importance of any response, the listed information needs to be examined within the context and in concert with all other existing regulations. Despite these constraints, the information within this report is very useful to furbearer managers to help examine technologies and initiate and make furbearer management decisions. The Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is grateful to all agencies for their cooperation in gathering this information

Developing a Curriculum for the Nuisance Wildlife Control Industry in New York

The nuisance wildlife control industry continues to expand in New York State. Each year during the past 5 years, approximately 1,200-1 ,400 private Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) were given authority to handle wildlife conflicts by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These NWCOs were required to complete a trapper education course, and a personal interview or exam prior to obtaining a permit. The education and experience requirements for NWCOs varied by region in New York. The goals of this project were to: (1) develop a core curriculum for individuals who desired to handle nuisance wildlife and charge a fee for service, (2) standardize license requirements across the state, (3) enhance professionalism and training of individuals involved in the NWCO industry, and (4) develop a test bank of questions for administration of an examination. Existing educational programs from throughout the United States were reviewed for content and suitability in New York State. A core educational manual was developed by staff with Cornell University and a DEC review team. The curriculum will be piloted during 2003 in conjunction with legislative changes that mandate training for NWCOs in New York State

SUBURBAN COYOTE MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH NEEDS: A NORTHEAST PERSPECTIVE

Several factors may be responsible for increasing predator abundance in suburbia. These include an enhanced forage base associated with residential sprawl, and protection of predator species that were once persecuted and suppressed by hunters, trappers, and landowners. In the Northeast, anecdotal reports of coyotes (Canis latrans) killing pets in backyards are on the rise. The bulk of coyote complaints, concerns, and questions received from the public by state wildlife agencies are from areas with high human populations. Scant research exists on coyote behavioral ecology in human-altered landscapes. Biologists and managers need to understand changes in the social structure and territorial behavior of coyotes. It is important to know when a predator is active and where it forages, especially in relation to human activity. The emerging picture of suburban coyotes is that they move quickly over long distances through human-dominated landscapes, foraging opportunistically. Data concerning birth rates and survivorship are needed to model future population growth. Reliable and cost-effective census techniques are currently lacking. The impact of growing and more visible coyote populations on deer abundance is a concern in some areas. Studying coyotes in residential areas will provide baseline data for public education programs to reduce human behaviors that may increase coyote conflicts

Capturing and Handling Wild Animals

The art of capturing wild animals for food and clothing is as old as human existence on earth. However, in today’s world, reasons for catching wild species are more diverse. Millions of wild animals are captured each year as part of damage and disease control programs, population regulation activities, wildlife management efforts, and research studies. Many aspects of animal capture, especially those associated with protected wildlife species, are highly regulated by both state and federal governmental agencies. Animal welfare concerns are important regardless of the reason for capture. In addition, efficiency (the rate at which a device or system catches (he intended species) is a critical aspect of wild animal capture systems. Successful capture programs result from the efforts of experienced wildlife biologists and technicians who have planned, studied, and tested methods prior to starting any new program. State regulations related to animal capture vary widely and licenses or permits, as well as specialized training may be required by state wildlife agencies for scientists, managers, and others engaging in animal capture for research, damage management, or fur harvest. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, required at universities and research institutions by the Animal Welfare Act (U.S. Department of Agriculture 2002), often question whether scientists capturing animals for research have ensured that pain and distress are minimized by the techniques used. The information in this chapter will assist wildlife management practitioners to identify appropriate equipment and obtain the necessary approvals for its use. Researchers are encouraged to consult Littell (1993) and Gaunt et al. (1997) concerning guidelines and procedures relating to capture and handling permits. Major reviews of bird capture techniques include Canadian Wildlife Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1977), Day et al. (1980), Davis (1981), Keyes and Grue (1982), Bloom (1987), Bub (1991 ), Schemnitz (1994), and Gaunt et al. (1997). Detailed coverage of mammal capture methods include Day et al. (1980). Novak et al. (1987), Schemnitz (1994), Wilson et al. (1996), American Society of Mammalogists (1998), and Proulx (1999a). Mammal capture usually becomes more difficult as animal size increases. Thus, observational techniques and mammalian sign are often more efficient for obtaining both inventory and density information (jones et al. 1996). Several new techniques to capture mammals ranging in size from small rodents to large carnivores have been developed in recent years

Enhancing Private Sector Wildlife Damage Management with a Comprehensive Curriculum

Wildlife agencies face the complex, often difficult, challenge of managing nuisance wildlife complaints. State agencies are under increasing pressure to provide better training for individuals in the private sector who provide such services. In July 2002, New York State (NYS) passed a law that mandated both training and documented proficiency for all nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs) who charge a fee for service. A team of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) staff was organized to produce a curriculum and certification exams. The goals were to enhance the skills and professionalism of both current NWCOs and new license applicants, while maintaining a diverse array of operators that could provide the many levels of service required by various publics. Additionally, the training manual was designed to be a reference for DEC and CCE staff and others who are interested in nuisance wildlife control. The central philosophy of the manual was integrated wildlife damage management (IWDM), referred to as “best practices” in the manual. A best practice was defined as an effective method for solving a nuisance wildlife problem that minimizes risks to the environment and promotes human safety and well-being. Development of the curriculum (both hard copy and electronic versions) and the associated electronic test bank involved extensive and comprehensive research, reviews, and pilot testing. The curriculum and licensing examinations have been implemented in NYS, and the curriculum has won three different awards from state wildlife, extension, and stakeholder associations. Currently, a NWCO curriculum for the eastern United States is being developed, and it will provide a comprehensive, science-based, peer-reviewed training that satisfies stakeholder-identified needs. This regional curriculum fills an important gap that would otherwise likely be addressed by each state individually. The credibility of the training manual and certification exam will likely prove beneficial to NWCOs as the public becomes aware of this new process. The emphasis on best practices and the responsible treatment of wildlife will also resonate with the public

Characteristics, Motivations and Involvement of Trappers in New York

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