University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

2013-2014 Illinois Otter Trapper Report

Stephenson, Andrew L.; McCleary, Meghan E.; Schweizer, Laura A.; Miller, Craig A.; Campbell, Linda K.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/55730

Description

Title
2013-2014 Illinois Otter Trapper Report
Author(s)
  • Stephenson, Andrew L.
  • McCleary, Meghan E.
  • Schweizer, Laura A.
  • Miller, Craig A.
  • Campbell, Linda K.
Issue Date
2014-08-25
Keyword(s)
  • Trapper effort
  • otter harvest
  • satisfaction
  • participation
  • IDNR Division of Wildlife
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Abstract
Illinois otter trapping was reinstated in the 2012-2013 trapping season. In 2013-2014, the second year of reinstatement, 608 Illinois residents purchased otter registration; all were mailed a 4-page questionnaire. We received 460 (77 %) usable questionnaires. During the 2013-14 season, an average of 31 traps were set per trapper over the course of 37 days or nights, on average. Respondents harvested an average of 2.1 otters (Lontra canadensis) each, totaling 960 otters, a 36% decrease from 2012-13. Participants also harvested 22,933 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 6,710 muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), and 4,374 opossum (Didelphis virginiana) during the 2013-2014 Illinois trapping season. Sightings of bobcats (Lynx rufus) by trappers, trapper attitudes toward wildlife related issues, and participation in trapper education programs were also documented.
Publisher
Illinois Natural History Survey
Series/Report Name or Number
  • Illinois Otter Trapper Report
  • Technical Report INHS 2014 (30)
  • Human Dimensions Research Program Supplemental Report
  • Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-112-R-23
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/55730
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)
  • IDNR Division of Wildlife
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Copyright and License Information
This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

Owning Collections

Technical Reports - Illinois Natural History Survey PRIMARY
Reports produced by INHS staff, usually as deliverables for assessment projects funded by federal or state agencies or non-governmental organizations.