Nova Scotia TRAPPERS. Newsletter. ISSN Number

Transcription

1 Nova Scotia TRAPPERS Newsletter ISSN Number

2 Collections required this year: Fisher, bobcat and incidental catches of marten and lynx. Submission of accidental catches of weasel is voluntary. Regulation changes for 2007/2008 The major regulation changes affecting furharvesters for the 2008/2009 season are: 1. Beaver bag limits have been increased in all zones. 2. The use of snares under ice for capturing beaver, otter and other aquatic furbearers is now permitted within 300 yards of a dwelling. 3. Licensed furharvesters and bear snarers can appoint partners to check traps and snares. 4. The list of approved body gripping traps has been updated. 5. Bear snaring season has been extended to the first Saturday of December. Table of contents Mandatory Fur Harvester Courses... 2 Furbearer Report... 3 Licence Sales... 7 Fur Auction Sale Dates... 8 Harvest Stats... 9 Bag Limit Changes Species Abundance as recorded by Fur Harvesters...12 Certified Traps - AIHTS Implementation Black Bear Harvest in Nova Scotia Marten Projects Endangered Furbearers in NS Otter carcass collection Anyone seeking further information on furbearer management or wishing to provide input to the Department of Natural Resources should contact their local office, a Regional Biologist, or the Furbearer and Upland Game Section of DNR, Attn.:Mike O Brien, 136 Exhibition Street Kentville, NS B4N 4E5. By obrienms@gov.ns.ca Phone: (902) Fax: (902) The Furbearer Section, including previous Trappers Newsletters, is available on line at: Accidental catches or sightings of rare species may be reported by calling 1 (800) Cover page photo credit: Shirley MacDonald Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 1 of 29

3 Mandatory Fur Harvester Courses A total of, 90 Fur Harvester Education courses have been held since 1986 with a total of 1,903 students trained. Application forms are available at your local DNR office, in the Hunting & Furharvesting Licence & Summary of Regulations booklet, or online at or Registration and payment must be received by August 15 in order to guarantee a seat in the fall course. Applications received after August 15th will be processed the next year. Participants are required to confirm their attendance by notifying Judy Clattenburg at DNR Halifax, clatteji@gov.ns.ca by September 15. Failure to respond will result in the applicant s name being removed from the list, at which time the applicant must reapply, including payment of the appropriate fee for any future courses Trappers Workshop and Annual Meeting Royal Canadian Legion Hall Kentville, NS March 5-7, 2009 Sleeping space available - bring your own bedroll. Contact: Gary Fisher, President Trappers Association of Nova Scotia Phone: gf32special@hotmail.com The 2008 Trappers Workshop was held in Kentville. To date we have held 53 workshops with over 1,761 students. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 2 of 29

4 Furbearer Report By Mike O Brien and Mike Boudreau The number of furharvester licenses sold in the season decreased by 7.56 % to 1,405. The level of effort recorded by those who bought a furharvester license and caught fur has dropped from 57.2% to 53.6% in the season. Average fur prices decreased in almost every species with the exception of bobcat, beaver, fox, and raccoon. Otter sales and average price continue to decline mainly due to problems associated with exporting skins to China. It is unlikely that the demand for otter will change this season. As a result of low average price and low catch otter collections have been suspended for this season. Bobcat recorded the second highest average price increase. Raccoon pelt prices are the highest they ve been in 10 years. Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe hare (or rabbits as we Nova Scotians call them) are an important prey species for many predators including furbearers. Each year trappers and small game hunters are asked to observe (in the form of abundance rankings) how the hare populations are doing in their areas. These rankings are recorded on a scale from 0-4 where 4 is high. This past year snowshoe hare abundance rankings show an overall decrease, with the exception of a few counties in the western end of the province. Counties which recorded increases in snowshoe hare abundance are Annapolis, Digby, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth. The overall reported harvest of snowshoe hares also decreased, with an estimated provincial harvest of 134,047 snowshoe hare (compared to 205,510 last year). The mandatory upland game harvest survey (small game report card), showed a very poor return rate again this year. These report cards are the only means of calculating and estimating the harvest of our small game species. Over the last two seasons there has been a concerted effort by Natural Resources staff to try and increase hunter awareness and compliance with completing these forms. As a result of this effort, the report card return rate has risen from less then 4% to around 10%. Although an obvious increase, there is still room for improvement. With better compliance comes better data, which is essential to making good wildlife management decisions. Bobcat The bobcat harvest was up, putting the total harvest to 964 animals. Along with a 27.8% increase in the average price, trappers undoubtably will continue to target this species in the upcoming season. Bobcat abundance rankings rose across the province in all counties except Digby and Richmond. Pictou was the only county that did not record any change in abundance. This increase in abundance may reflect the fact that trappers are targeting bobcat. Beaver The provincial beaver harvest decreased by 37.2 % to 3,491 animals, similar to harvest levels taken in 2000/01. This decrease in harvest may be explained in part by rising gas prices and decreased trapper effort. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 3 of 29

5 Along with a slight increase (14.9%) in the average price paid per pelt. The abundance rankings continue to show increases in many counties and an overall increase on the provincial scale. After discussions with Department field staff, the beaver bag limits have been raised in all four zones. Trappers are not required to turn in any otter carcasses to DNR or have pelts stamped prior to shipping this year. This is due to the decrease in trapping pressure, low demand and low prices paid for otter pelts and very little expected change in current market conditions. Otters Otter harvests have decreased again, for the 4 th year in a row, to 272 animals. This harvest is around the same recorded in 1990/91. The average price decreased by 14.3 % from the previous year and has not been this low since the 1991/92 season. Preliminary results suggest that otter, like other fish-eating species, are being affected, at least in some parts of Nova Scotia, by environmental mercury contamination. As a result of these findings otter harvest will continue to be monitored. When market conditions improve and harvest levels begin to rise, collections of this species will be reinstated to enable us to maintain a handle on the health of this species so that the harvest is kept at a sustainable level. Abundance rankings showed a slight decrease in a handful of counties, but increased on the provincial scale. The decrease in abundance rankings appear to be mainly in the central regions of the province, Halifax, Hants and Colchester counties. Cape Breton county showed a slight decrease. Although otter abundance rankings continue to rise overall they still remain in the low to medium range. It would appear as though most trappers did not target otters last season because of the difficulty moving pelts in a sluggish market and the expected low price. The price and demand is largely set by the large buyers from China and both demand and price will continue to be affected until the issue surrounding the importing of otter skins into China is resolved, or new markets are found. Muskrat Muskrat catches crashed/decreased by 55.1 % with a total of 11,172 animals. This represents less than half of the harvest during the season and is closer to harvest levels from the 1991/92 season. The average price dropped to $4.29 which was a decrease of 35.3% from the previous season. This represents a drop in average price for the second year in a row. The harvest and the provincial abundance rankings both reflect a decline in muskrat population on the county level as well as provincially. Three of the 18 counties have shown a slight increase in abundance rankings but all recorded significant decreases in harvest. Fisher Fisher abundance rankings provided by licensed furharvesters increased this year. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 4 of 29

6 Although the abundance rankings over the last nine seasons have continued to increase, they remain relatively unchanged around the low range. While the harvest over the past decade is encouraging, we need to continue to monitor this species. The harvest has remained fairly stable with little change over the last five years, leaving the recorded harvest at 170 animals. As with bobcat, the pelt must be declared, stamped and the carcass of all fisher presented to a DNR office. Again this year, furharvesters are permitted to retain one accidentally caught fisher, if caught in a trap set for another species. Any additional incidental fisher catches are to be turned in-to the Department of Natural Resource office nearest the trapper s residence. These animals are used to illustrate proper skinning and pelt handling techniques during the trapper education workshop held in March. Raccoon Lunenburg, and Cumberland. Average price for raccoons increased by 35% from last year and remain at levels not seen since With the increase in average price, trapping effort will likely continue to increase, resulting in a higher harvest in the upcoming season. Fox Fox harvest decreased by 25.5 % to 547 animals. Provincial abundance rankings crept up slightly with marginal changes in a handful of counties. Last year s decline in average price seems to be holding a 10 year average around the $30 range. Coyote A total of 1,928 coyotes were harvested this year. Although a decrease from last year, it is still above the 10 year average. Overall abundance rankings dropped by 4.1 %, but continue to remain in the moderate to high range. The average price paid for coyotes decreased by 18.7 % last year, but remains around the $25 mark. Raccoon harvest has not changed from the recorded harvest of last year and remains at 3,500 animals. Abundance rankings increased on the provincial scale as well as all counties with the exception of Kings, Other Species Squirrel harvest decreased significantly (by 73.3%) to a harvest of 1,920. Weasel harvest also decreased by 17.1 % to 1,691 animals. Skunk harvest decreased by 65 % to 23 animals. Average price for squirrel decreased by 7.14 % and the average price for weasel dropped by 24.59%. Lynx and marten continue to be taken accidentally each year and trappers should make every effort to avoid accidental capture of these species. In some cases the only option that furharvesters have to avoid catching these animals may be to avoid trapping in certain areas altogether. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 5 of 29

7 Accidental Captures Furharvesters who accidentally catch a protected species or an animal in excess of their bag limit should try to release them alive if possible. If this is not practical, you must report your catch to a DNR office before the animal is removed from the trap site. This may be done by calling any DNR office, during normal working hours or calling the toll free number , after hours. These forms are available in the Hunting and Furharvesting Summary Regulation booklet. Upon arriving at their place of residence the furharvester is required to notify a DNR office, and report their accidental catch. Your local DNR office will advise you on how to handle the situation. Furharvesters found in the possession of an animal to which they are not entitled without first notifying DNR or having the Accidental Harvest Form completed and their pelts confiscated. In such cases, pelts are given to the Trappers Association of Nova Scotia and proceeds are used to help support trapper education Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 6 of 29

8 Fur Harvester License Sales YEAR 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 Annapolis Digby Kings Lunenburg Queens Shelburne Yarmouth Western Antigonish Colchester Cumberland Guysborough Halifax Hants Pictou Eastern Cape Breton Inverness Richmond Victoria CB Region Total 1,497 1,449 1,507 1,566 1,630 1,395 1,488 1, Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 7 of 29

9 North American Fur Furharvesters Auction Inc. Producers Marketing Inc. Furharvesters Auction Sales Inc. 65 Skyway Ave, Rexdale, ON M9W 5C Bond St., North Bay, ON P1B 4V7 Phone: Phone: NS Representative NS & PEI Representative Furafee Trading Inc. John Richard 115 Brunswick St., 3101 Route 180 Truro, N.S. B2N 4P6 South Tetagouche, N.B. E2A 7C1 Phone: (902) Phone: (506) Cell: (506) Auction Dates: Auction Dates: Sale Date: January 6-7 th, 2009 Sale Date: January 9 th, 2009 Last Receiving Date: December 8 th, 2008 Last Receiving Date: December 7, 2008 Sale Date: May 15-20th, 2009 Sale Date: March 13&14 th, 2009 Last Receiving Date: March 30th, 2009 Last Receiving Date: January 18 th, 2009 Sale Date: To Be Announced Sale Date: May 24 th, 2009 Last Receiving Date: June 1 st, 2009 Last Receiving Date: April 12 th, 2009 Sale Date: September June 18 th, 2009 Last Receiving Date: May 23 th, 2009 Average Value of Wild Fur for Nova Scotia (Per Pelt) Species 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 Beaver $25.39 $ $32.16 $27.28 $ $29.14 $26.90 $34.57 $25.50 $29.32 Muskrat $ 3.17 $ 4.22 $4.36 $5.58 $ 4.39 $3.32 $3.50 $8.50 $6.64 $4.29 Otter $53.50 $ $90.57 $ $ $ $ $ $66.80 $41.15 Mink $15.70 $ $14.83 $17.00 $ $18.17 $16.92 $23.82 $15.77 $13.51 Bobcat $48.92 $ $61.86 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Fox $16.79 $ $30.89 $37.83 $ $30.84 $21.53 $31.48 $28.30 $29.04 Raccoon $12.14 $ 8.15 $16.66 $19.38 $ $19.78 $12.14 $12.78 $13.14 $20.22 Weasel $ 2.90 $ 3.26 $4.94 $3.83 $ 3.53 $2.40 $3.20 $5.57 $5.57 $4.20 Squirrel $ 0.74 $ 0.99 $1.73 $1.98 $ 0.79 $1.22 $1.05 $1.48 $1.26 $1.17 Skunk $ 4.37 $ 1.76 $8.85 $8.41 $ 5.83 $5.34 $4.27 $10.11 $6.25 $1.82 Fisher $28.12 $ $32.87 $44.09 $ $43.47 $36.47 $83.60 $77.68 $70.85 Bear $70.57 $ $ $ $ $80.18 $74.70 $89.91 $71.59 $65.09 Coyote $20.53 $ $25.02 $31.33 $ $32.66 $30.23 $26.49 $28.84 $23.43 Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 8 of 29

10 Fur Harvest as Calculated from License Returns and Fur Buyer Slips in County Beaver Muskrat Otter Mink Bobcat Fox Raccoon Skunk Squirrel Weasel Coyote Lynx Marten Fisher Anna Digby Kings Lunen Queens Shelb Yar , Western 1, , , Anti Col , Cum , Guys Halifax Hants Pictou Eastern 1,832 5, , CBret n Inv Rich Vic Cape B 416 1, Total 3,491 11, , ,920 1,160 1, Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 9 of 29

11 Fur Harvest as Calculated from License Returns and Fur Buyer Slips in County Beaver Muskrat Otter Mink Bobcat Fox Raccoon Skunk Squirrel Weasel Coyote Lynx Marten Fisher Anna , Digby , Kings 145 1, Lunen Queens Shelb , Yar , Western 1,717 7, , , Anti , Col , Cum , Guys Halifax Hants Pictou Eastern 3,213 14, , , CBret n Inv , , Rich Vic Cape B 632 3, , Total 5,562 24, , , ,199 1,399 2, Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 10 of 29

12 Fur Bearing Animals Taken by Furharvesters from Species 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 Beaver 4,126 3,828 5,792 4,166 5,281 4,973 5,251 5,562 3,491 Muskrat 15,859 13,391 18,779 15,274 19,340 17,980 18,559 24,896 11,172 Otter Mink 1,686 1,267 1,889 1,811 2,049 1,708 2,175 2,094 1,533 Bobcat 1,403 1,163 1,394 1,193 1, Fox Raccoon 2,018 1,409 2,725 3,019 3, ,996 3,542 3,541 Weasel 1, ,179 1,477 1,001 1,691 1,399 1,160 Squirrel 1,486 2,554 4,251 5,152 3,161 8,050 3,941 7,199 1,920 Skunk Fisher Coyote 1, ,587 1,809 2,422 1,838 2,619 2,513 1,928 Bag Limit Changes Bobcat -1990/91: bag limit increased to two province wide -1991/92: bag limit reduced to one province wide -1993/94: bag limit increased to two province wide -1994/95: bag limit reduced to one in Cumberland and Colchester Counties -1995/96: bag limit increased to three province wide (except Cumb/Col) -1996/97: bag limit increased to four province wide (except Cumb/Col) -1997/98: bag limit increased from one to four in Colchester County -1998/99: bag limit increased from four to five province wide except for Cumberland County -1999/00 to 2008/09: bag limit increased to five province wide Fisher -1988/89 to 1994/95: season closed -1995/96 to 1997/98: one mistake fisher allowed -1998/99 to 2005/06: one mistake fisher allowed in Cumberland, Colchester and Pictou Counties /07 to 2008/09: one mistake fisher allowed Marten -season closed Lynx -season closed Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 11 of 29

13 Species Abundance as Recorded by Fur Harvesters By Mike O Brien and Mike Boudreau Fur harvesters were asked again last year to record their perception of population levels for 16 animal species. Population levels for five of those species have been reported for nineteen years, while population levels for the other nine have been added more recently. This has been a very successful program as it gives us the ability to draw on hundreds of skilled observers, who tell us how abundant each species is in their area. We encourage all fur harvesters to fill in this section of their report form, as higher numbers of participants increases the accuracy of the data. Rankings for individual counties may not provide a reliable picture of annual trends because of low response numbers from some areas. The summaries for each of the three regions, as well as the provincial totals, are considered very reliable. The table shows results for the 2007/08 season. The numbers are averages calculated by assigning values to the ranks selected by each fur harvester. The values given to the ranks are shown under the table. The lowest possible value for a County is 0", which means that all respondents in that County felt that none of that particular species was present in their area. The highest possible value is 4", which means that all respondents from that County felt that numbers for that species were very high. This type of information is most valuable when looking at population changes from year to year. Graphs are presented to show the rankings for five species over a nine year period for all of Nova Scotia. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 12 of 29

14 Coyote Furharvester Abundance Ranking / / / / / / / / /2008 Fisher Furharvester Abundance Ranking / / / / / / / / /2008 Otter Furharvester Abundance Ranking / / / / / / / / /2008 Snowshoe Hare Furharvester Abundance Ranking / / / / / / / / /2008 Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 13 of 29

15 Fur Harvest Abundance Estimates for 2009 County B ver Mskrt Otter Mink Bobcat Fox Rac on Skunk Sq rel Weasel Coyote Lynx Marten Fisher Bear Hare Anna Digby Kings Lunen Queens Shel Yar Western Anti Col Cum Guys Halifax Hants Pictou Eastern C.B Inv Rich Vic Cape B Province Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 14 of 29

16 Certified Traps - AIHTS Implementation Updated September 9, 2008 The Canadian Wildlife Directors, Competent Authorities for implementation of the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS), have approved a 3-phase process for implementing the AIHTS in Canada. The following lists show the three phases for regulating species-specific traps: (1) the certified traps regulated for specific species in 2007; (2) certified traps that are not affected at this time, pending development of testing technologies; and, (3) the future addition of cage and box traps. The traps listed by name have all been certified as meeting the requirements of the AIHTS for specific species, through the Canadian trap-testing program administered by the Fur Institute of Canada. Phase 1. STARTED IN FALL Certified Traps are regulated for trapping the following species: KILLING TRAPS SPECIES CERTIFIED TRAPS REGULATED FOR USE AS OF FALL 2007 BEAVER Underwater and On Land BEAVER Underwater Only FISHER MARTEN RACCOON MUSKRAT On Land MUSKRAT Underwater Bélisle Classic 330 LDL C280 Sauvageau Bélisle Super X 280 LDL C330 Sauvageau Bélisle Super X 330 LDL C330 Magnum Species-Specific 330 Dislocator Half Magnum B.M.I. 330 Body Gripper Rudy 280 Species-Specific 440 Dislocator Half Magnum Bridger 330 Rudy 330 Woodstream Oneida Victor Conibear 280 Duke 330 Sauvageau F Woodstream Oneida Victor Conibear 330 B.M.I. 280 Body Gripper LDL C280 Magnum Sauvageau Bélisle Super X 120 Koro #2 Rudy 160 Plus Rudy 220 Plus Sauvageau Bélisle Super X 160 LDL C160 Magnum Rudy 120 Magnum Sauvageau Bélisle Super X 220 LDL C220 Magnum Sauvageau Sauvageau Bélisle Super X 120 LDL B120 Magnum Sauvageau C120 Magnum Bélisle Super X 160 Rudy 120 Magnum Sauvageau B.M.I. 126 Magnum Body Gripper Rudy 160 Plus Sauvageau Bélisle Classic 220 Bélisle Super X 160 Bélisle Super X 220 Bélisle Super X 280 B.M.I. 160 Body Gripper B.M.I. 220 Body Gripper B.M.I. 280 Body Gripper B.M.I. 280 Magnum Body Gripper Bridger 160 Bridger 220 Duke 160 Duke 220 LDL C160 LDL C220 LDL C220 Magnum LDL C280 Magnum Northwood 155 Rudy 160 Rudy 160 Plus Rudy 220 Rudy 220 Plus Sauvageau Sauvageau Sauvageau Species-Specific 220 Dislocator Half Magnum Woodstream Oneida Victor Conibear 160 Woodstream Oneida Victor Conibear 220 Bélisle Super X 120 Duke 120 Sauvageau C120 Magnum B.M.I. 120 Koro Muskrat Sauvageau C120 Reverse Bend B.M.I. 120 Magnum LDL B120 Magnum Triple M B.M.I. 126 Magnum Rudy 120 Magnum Woodstream Oneida Victor Conibear 110 Bridger 120 Sauvageau Woodstream Oneida Victor Conibear 120 Any jaw type trap (body gripping or leghold) set as a submersion set that exerts clamping force on a muskrat and that maintains a muskrat underwater. LEGHOLD RESTRAINING TRAPS SPECIES CERTIFIED TRAPS REGULATED FOR USE AS OF FALL 2007 CANADA LYNX Bélisle Footsnare #6 Oneida Victor #3 Soft Catch equipped with 2 coil springs Oneida Victor #3 Soft Catch equipped with 4 coil springs Oneida Victor #3 equipped with a minimum of 8mm thick, non-offset steel jaws, 4 coil springs and an anchoring swivel centre mounted on a base plate CERTIFIED trap models are given exclusive identification letters that manufacturers must mark on traps they manufacture as of the fall Trappers may still legally use these same trap models after the implementation of the AIHTS (2007), regardless of whether they bear this mark. Note: New additions to this list are marked in BOLD. 331 rue Cooper Street, Suite/Bureau 701, Ottawa, ON K2P 0G5 Telephone/Téléphone (613) Fax/Télécopieur (613) info@fur.ca Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 15 of 29

17 Phase 2. YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION TO BE DETERMINED - Certified Traps to be regulated in the future for trapping the following species: 2 Although the traps listed in Phase 2 are certified for the following species and trap categories, the year of entry into force of the obligation to use only AIHTS Certified traps has not yet been determined. This date, which could vary from one species to another, will be known at least 3 years in advance. Until then, traps that are currently legally permitted can still be used. Check with your provincial or territorial government for regulations related to trap uses applicable in your trapping area. KILLING TRAPS SPECIES TRAPS CERTIFIED BUT NOT YET MANDATORY OTTER Underwater Bélisle Super X 280 Rudy 280 Rudy 330 LDL C280 Magnum Woodstream Oneida Victor Conibear 330 WEASEL Victor Rat Trap CANADA LYNX Woodstream Oneida Victor Conibear 330 BOBCAT, BADGER No killing trap certified to date LEGHOLD RESTRAINING TRAPS SPECIES TRAPS CERTIFIED BUT NOT YET MANDATORY COYOTE Bélisle Footsnare #6 Oneida Victor #3 Soft Catch equipped with 2 coil springs Bridger #3 equipped with 5/16-inch offset, doubled rounded steel jaw laminations (3/16-inch on topside of jaw and ¼-inch on underside of jaws), with 4 coil springs and an anchoring swivel centre mounted on a base plate. WOLF Bélisle Footsnare #8 BOBCAT Bélisle Footsnare #6 Phase 3. YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION TO BE DETERMINED - Cage and Box Traps to be Regulated in the future for live-trapping the following species: SPECIES BEAVER, RACCOON, FISHER, MARTEN, MUSKRAT, OTTER, WEASEL, CANADA LYNX, BOBCAT, BADGER LIVE CAPTURE CAGES OR BOXES No live capture cage or box certified to date THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS ADDITIONAL TRAPS ARE CERTIFIED Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 16 of 29

18 Nova Scotia s 2007 Black Bear Harvest Jenn Madden Bear harvest numbers are calculated using information obtained from the annual harvest report forms that you, the hunters and furharvesters of Nova Scotia, submit to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The formula is based on the number of reported bears harvested, total number of report forms turned in and the total number of bear licences sold. All of these factors affect harvest estimates (Table 1). In 2007, bear snaring licence sales decreased slightly while the reported harvest was the lowest it has been since Snaring success rates similarily declined from 64.3% in 2006 to only 33.5% success. The bear hunting harvest also dramatically declined in 2007, from 932 in 2006 to 650 in 2007, despite the increase in both resident and non-resident licence sales. Part of the reason for the low harvest estimates may be related to reporting compliance rates. Last year, 3,121 bear hunting licences were sold but only 1,277 hunting reports were submitted. This results in a compliance rate of only 41%. Bear snaring compliance, on the other hand, increased substantially. Of 185 snaring licences issued, 154 reports were submitted (83% compliance). When reporting compliance is low, there is often not enough information on which to derive key indicators on bear age/sex ratios, number of bears taken from specific areas, and an overall limited confidence in harvest numbers. Without reliable data on these parameters, it s also difficult to assess whether the kill is within acceptable/sustainable limits. Improving harvest compliance is in your hands so it s important to do your part to help manage the resource in which you harvest. Being a responsible hunter and furharvester doesn t end when you harvest your bear. It includes your responsibility of submitting harvest report forms and corresponding biological samples. For bear hunting and snaring, submission of harvest reports is mandatory, regardless of whether or not you harvest a bear. The data collected is used to determine hunter effort and success rate (Table 1) as well as harvest by county. Bear Hunting Report Forms are available as a removable postcard in the Licence & Summary of Regulations booklet and Bear Snaring Report Forms are available at any DNR office. You can also report your bear harvest online at; Hunters successful in harvesting a bear are also required to submit a premolar tooth. The bear skull or jaw can be submitted to any DNR office for tooth extraction and will, upon request, be returned to the hunter. Premolars are processed at the Wildlife Division in Kentville and then sent to a laboratory in Montana for age analysis. The age distribution of harvested bears in 2006 and 2007 is depicted in Figure 1 and is based on 485 submitted premolars in 2006 and 294 in Thank you for being an integral part of Black Bear management in Nova Scotia. Your cooperation is valued will help to ensure the sustainable use of this species. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 17 of 29

19 Table 1. Bear Harvest Summary Year Bear Hunting Licenses (Resident) Bear Hunting Licences (Nonresident) Estimated Hunter Harvest Estimated Hunter Success Bear Snaring Licences Estimated Snaring Harvest % % % % % % % % % % % % % % Calculated Harvest = #Bears Reported Harvested X # of Licenses Issued #Reports Received Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 18 of 29

20 Frequency Age Distribution of Black Bear Harvest 2006 and 2007 < Bear Age (Years) Figure 1. Age distribution of bears harvested in 2006 and 2007 Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 19 of 29

21 Cape Breton Marten Project: Augmentation of the Cape Breton Island marten Population By Peter Austin-Smith The Cape Breton population of marten was provincially listed as Endangered in Nova Scotia in 2001 and is currently persisting at very low numbers. Two major factors likely contributed to the decline of marten on Cape Breton Island: over-exploitation via unregulated trapping through the late 1800s and early 1900s, and then more recently, the loss, degradation and fragmentation of suitable habitat. Since the early 1900s marten have been close to extirpation in the province, but a few have persisted around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the greater Cape Breton Highlands area. Individual sightings, track reports, and more recently a photo (winter 1994) of a marten, have confirmed the existence of marten on the highland plateau and associated valleys. Translocation of wild marten, or the release of captive bred animals is considered the best way to recover marten in Cape Breton because of the small number of individuals within the current population, and the absence of nearby populations. Recent analysis suggests that the marten in Cape Breton are genetically similar to other northeastern North American populations, but suffer from low genetic variation. Recently, the Nova Scotia Marten Recovery Team endorsed a study that determined the translocation of wild, live-trapped marten, and/or releasing captive-bred marten in Cape Breton was feasible. Objectives of the study were to: 1. Determine if there was an adequate amount and configuration of suitable marten habitat and prey in Cape Breton; 2. Detetermine if there was a genetically compatible source population available for reintroduction; 3.Determine the usefulness of a captive marten colony at Shubenacadie; 4. Assess potential interspecific impacts; 5. Determine implementation and legal requirements; 6. Develop a communications plan; 7. Determine monitoring techniques to be used; and, 8. Determine by what criteria the project will be evaluated criteria. Eight potential reintroduction areas were identified based on the habitat assessment, the marten habitat management zone, and level of habitat protection (Federal Park or Provincial Wilderness Area). Genetic analyses and logistical considerations suggest that New Brunswick has the most suitable source population of marten for translocation to Cape Breton. This population is capable of sustaining the removal of thirty to fifty marten a year over three years, starting in the fall of These numbers can be added to by releasing captive-bred marten currently being held at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. The overall goal would be to release animals over three to five years. Ideally the sex ratio of those animals released would be a 1:1 ratio (1 male for every female). During the late fall of 2007 two trappers (one from Nova Scotia and one from New Brunswick) were hired to live trap marten in northern New Brunswick. In total 30 marten were captured and relocated to Cape Breton by DNR staff with support from Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 20 of 29

22 Parks Canada. The animals were released at several sites within Cape Breton Highlands National Park and on provincial crown land that had been identified as having suitable marten habitat. All marten were PIT tagged, weighed and had DNA (hair) samples collected for future analysis if required. Six male marten were radio collared to provide some information on movement and habitat use. These animals continue to be monitored when air support (helicopter) is available. Live trapping is scheduled to continue in the fall of 2008 with a goal of marten being transported to CBI. Western NS Marten Project: Examining the size and extent of the marten (Martes Americana) population in western Nova Scotia. By Peter Austin-Smith The mainland marten population, with a hotspot being centered near Ohio, is classified as data deficient. This population is believed to be, at least partially, the result of a reintroduction program that released 116 marten from New Brunswick into 11 park sites at Kejimkujik National Park between 1987 and In 1979, the last reported marten trapped on the mainland was from this area, which suggests a remnant population may have existed prior to the Kejimkujik National Park releases. The objective of the Kejimkujik program was to re-establish a viable self-sustaining population within the Park, from which the species could eventually re-establish itself elsewhere. During and subsequent to the release, several studies were conducted to assess the success of the program. As of 1996, sightings had occurred as far as 65 km from the release sites, though most were in the release area. Since 1998 marten sightings, tracks and accidentally trapped animals have been reported from the area bounded by Digby, Weymouth and Yarmouth, with most reports from Weymouth to the Clare District. In the last four years, approximately 40 incidentally trapped marten have been reported from this area (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources 2006). Other than these reports, there has been little or no effort to determine the success of the relocation project. TANS, in partnership with NS DNR, has been successful in obtaining funds from the NS Habitat Conservation Fund to conduct a project to determine the extent of this mainland population using remote detection devices, records of past sightings and sign (tracks and scat). Habitat data collected at confirmed marten locations will feed into the current habitat model to improve its reliability. An improved marten habitat model may alter or change the forest management practices currently being carried out on Crown land known to support marten in Nova Scotia. Through the course of the project, the area to be surveyed will radiate out from the Weymouth and Kejimkujik National Park areas, to include areas suggested to have suitable habitat (based on the current model) in the five western counties of Nova Scotia. Western NS is a predominately rural region characterized by a heavy reliance on natural resource industries. Sustainability of these industries and the resources on which they rely is very important. By determining the extent and the habitat needs of the SW NS marten Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 21 of 29

23 population, TANS will be able to work closely with landowners and the forest industry to ensure that marten habitat can be identified (and protected if deemed necessary) based on an enhanced marten habitat model. By increasing the efficacy of detection units, methods and procedures, marten presence/absence from the landscape can be more easily determined. Various types of snares have been developed to collect animal hairs including PVC piping lined with adhesive tape and coils of barbed wire, or double sided tape, Velcro or rodent glue traps attached to wooden or coroplast board cubbies placed in tree or on the ground, to snag hairs as the animal passes to a bait. An Acadia University coop student is investigating (Year 1) the efficiency of various hair snag designs for this project using captive-bred marten being held at the Nova Scotia Provincial Wildlife Park in Shubenacadie for her honours thesis. The snag that she found to be most effective was the one that used three intact wooden boards that were 15 cm wide. The rodent glue boards were also determined to be the most effective snagging medium, and could be conveniently stored for analysis indoors at a later date. The current NS DNR marten habitat model was run using the 2002 forest inventory data for Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne and Queens counties to determine the quality of marten habitat (very good, good, fair, poor and very poor) (Fig 1). This stratifies the survey by expectation of success based on modeled habitat quality. Priority areas for surveys are those containing very good, good or fair habitat. Figure 1. Map of SW Nova Scotia marten suitability based on the NS DNR model. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 22 of 29

24 A 5km2 grid was then placed over the map to provide systematic sample units in which to look for marten. A minimum of four hair snag stations was placed in each sample unit with 0.5-km intervals, in the area of the sample unit with the most appropriate habitat or where unconfirmed sightings have occurred. Snags were left for 12 days or until a marten has been detected. The traps were checked, re-baited and scented every four days. Confirmation of marten presence or absence is based on hair samples captured on hair snag units, tracks or scat. Should marten be detected prior to the 12 days, the units are picked up and moved to another 5km2 grid having suitable habitat. Survey crews are to GPS and describe the cover type near each hair snag location. Habitat descriptors include: tree size, canopy closure, dominate tree species at each site and estimate percentage cover of the dominant tree and shrub species as well as distance to water. It is possible to identify some species in the field by hair colour, length and texture. All hair samples were handled with tweezers and placed in labeled plastic bags for additional verification. Future genetic analysis of the hair samples collected will provide a strong indication of the health and size of the SW NS marten population, which will then help determine the status of this population. Figure 2. 5km 2 blocks sampled in Figure 3. 5km 2 blocks were marten were detected Figure 4. Current distribution of marten in SW Nova Scotia Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 23 of 29

25 Marten Recovery in Cape Breton. Issue of Habitat course woody debris Rebecca Jeppesen, MSc Candidate. The American marten (Martes americana) is a mink-sized arboreal member of the weasel family found across most of North America 1. In Nova Scotia, this furbearer was listed as endangered in 2001 as a result of historic over-trapping and habitat fragmentation 2. There have been records of sightings and accidental catch in the southwest portion of the province in recent years 3, but in Cape Breton the numbers are currently estimated at no more than 50 individuals 4. In an effort to conserve, restore, and sustain the species in the province, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed partnerships with Parks Canada, TANS, Wildlife Conservation Society, Uni maki Institute of Natural Resources, Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute 5, and others to form the Nova Scotia Marten Recovery Team (NSMRT). The NSMRT began live-trapping marten in northern New Brunswick for release in Cape Breton to supplement the population. To help increase the success of this augmentation, I started working on identifying suitable habitat in the area as part of my MSc research at Acadia University. Marten typically inhabit mature or old-growth softwood forests with a high degree of over-head closure and abundant deadwood that serves to protect them from extreme 1 Banfield, A.W.F The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press. 2 Austin-Smith, P Feasibility assessment and plan for augmenting the Cape Breton American marten population. For NS DNR and Parks Canada CBHNP. Nova Scotia Marten Recovery Team. 3 Berlo, J Modeling American marten (Martes americana) habitat use in Nova Scotia. Master of Science (Biology) Thesis submitted to Acadia University. 4 Scott, F Status of American marten, Marten americana, on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. A Report to the Wildlife Division, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Department of Biology Acadia University 5 O Brien, M. Manager Furbearers and Upland Game, NSDNR Wildlife Division. Personal Communication. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 24 of 29

26 weather and tends to support a variety of small mammals which make up the bulk of their diet 1. DNR has created a geographic information systems (GIS) based digital map which outlines all forest stands in the province, and contains data on age, height, tree species composition, degree and type of forestry operation, and over-head closure 6. The GIS map does not, however, contain information concerning the amount or type of deadwood in a stand. For the past 2 summers, myself, DNR staff and volunteers have surveyed the forests of Cape Breton Highlands in an effort to collect enough data to allow me to predict the amount of deadwood that will be present in a stand based on the data that is already available. With the field work complete, information collected will be used to identify which forest type that is the most suitable for marten now and in the future. DNR and the NSMRT will be able to use the maps produced to help determine the best available areas to release marten. The next step will be to create a virtual ecosystem of the Cape Breton highlands region, using the GIS habitat maps as the landscape. This ecosystem will have virtual marten moving through it, living, reproducing, and dying - each individual essentially living as it would in nature. Using this system - called an individual based model, or IBM - different release scenarios under different circumstances can be tried to see what the results would be. We ll be able to see how the marten population will respond over the next 50 years, if DNR and the NSMRT release for example, 10 marten a year in one location for the next 10 years, or 20 marten a year in another location. 6 Province of Nova Scotia, Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division (DNR Forestry) < >. Website accessed January 10, Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 25 of 29

27 We ll also be able to impose specific variables such as wildfire, insect outbreaks, or interspecific competition from species like fisher, as well as natural or human mortality on this virtual ecosystem, to see what the impact would be on the species. Through trial, error, and analysis I hope to determine the augmentation strategy that is most likely to ensure success, and help DNR and the NSMRT reach their goal of having a viable, selfsustaining marten population in Cape Breton. Funding and support for this research has been provided by: Acadia University MITACS Internships Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Nova Scotia Habitat Conservation Fund Nova Scotia Species at Risk Fund Parks Canada, Cape Breton Highlands National Park Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 26 of 29

28 Species at Risk in Nova Scotia Wildlife species protected under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act Every fall the Minister of Natural Resources releases the names of new species to be added to the growing list of species protected under the province s Endangered Species Act. Endangered means they could become extinct in Nova Scotia if steps to remove the threats to these species are not taken. Currently, two fur-bearing species, the Cape Breton populations of marten and lynx, are listed under the Act. Both populations are centered in the highlands of Cape Breton. However, the mainland population of marten is still red listed (At Risk, Maybe at Risk). Red listed species covers those species for which a formal detailed risk assessment has been completed (COSEWIC assessment or a provincial equivalent) and that have been determined to be at risk of extirpation or extinction. Species that maybe at risk of immediate extirpation or extinction and are therefore candidates for interim conservation action and detailed risk assessment by COSEWIC or the Province. For more information on the status of wildlife in Nova Scotia visit the general status web page For up-dates on provincially listed species under the Endangered Species Act visit endangered species list web page As a trapper, you can help in several ways: Carefully release any live marten or lynx accidentally captured in a trap. Report and submit any lynx or marten accidentally killed in a trap to your local DNR office. Keep a written record of where and when you see a lynx or marten, or any sign of these species during the trapping season. Return it along with your Fur Harvester report at the end of the trapping season. For more information on how to avoid incidental take of these animals For more information contact your local DNR office or the Wildlife Division office in Kentville at Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 27 of 29

29 Otter carcass collections Mike Boudreau The Department of Natural Resources-Wildlife Division collects furbearer carcasses from trappers every year. Furharvesters in the province have for many years provided these carcasses from a variety of different species on an annual basis. Although many of these collections are mandatory for protected species, there are from time to time a few voluntary requests. These collections are essential for DNR to gather specimens, collect biological information and data on species which are otherwise difficult to survey. Having a mandatory collection, ensures that trappers turn in all carcasses before the corresponding pelt is stamped legally harvested and accounted for, prior to export. One such species is the river otter, which have large home ranges and exist throughout the province in low densities. The collection of otter carcasses therefore, provides valuable information on the health of the population. Otter carcass collections commenced in 1988/89 and continued until the spring of These collections were initiated to establish base line information on our otter population in the province. Prior to 1988, the only information available on otters was the number of pelts exported. DNR resumed otter collections in the fall of 1997 and continued to the end of the 2007/08 season. Carcasses were presented to a DNR area office, where it was assigned a unique number. Information such as: identity of the furharvester, location, method of kill, and date of harvest are all recorded in a database. Once carcasses are collected, identified and tagged, biological information can then be collected from each individual. Age can be determined by examining the teeth of the animal. The preferred tooth depends largely on the species of animal. For otter, the canine tooth from the lower jaw is preferred. However, the upper canines will work if the lower canines are damaged, broken or missing. One method of aging furbearers involves extracting a canine tooth, the teeth are catalogued and sent to a lab in Montana to be processed. This aging process is known as cementum analysis and involves staining a thin section of tooth and, with the aid of a microscope, counting the cementum rings. This process is similar to counting the growth rings on a tree and will give an accurate age of the individual otter. Although this process is time consuming and expensive, it produces an accurate picture of the age structure of the harvested population. An alternative to cementum analysis, which is used by DNR staff, is radiographing. This method involves extracting a tooth from each animal, labeling, securing them to a sheet of bristle board and taking an x-ray of all teeth. With the aid of a light table and a set of digital calibers, the total width of each tooth and it s pulp cavity is measured and the ratio calculated, and assigned to each tooth. This ratio is then used to determine a particular age class. Although not as exact as cementum analysis, the age class provided through radiographing is just as useful. Age classes are typically divided into three categories. Trappers Newsletter 2008 Page 28 of 29