Results of the 2009-2010 Illinois Trapper Survey

Lischka, Stacy A.; Campbell, Linda K.; Spacapan, Molly R.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/59127 Copy

Description

Title

Results of the 2009-2010 Illinois Trapper Survey

Author(s)

• Lischka, Stacy A.
• Campbell, Linda K.
• Spacapan, Molly R.

Contributor(s)

INHS Human Dimensions Research Program

Issue Date

2011-01-12

Keyword(s)

• Illinois trappers
• Illinois furbearer trappers
• Illinois resident trapping license

Abstract

A random sample of 1,200 purchasers of the Illinois resident trapping license (2009-2010 series) were mailed a 5-page questionnaire between March and May 2010. We received 787 usable responses (67% response rate). Trapping license sales decreased by 10% from 2008-2009 (4,146 licenses) to 2009-2010 (3,751 license). Trappers set an average of 20.1 traps for an average of 25.5 days/nights during the 2009-2010 season, and they harvested an estimated 117,597 furbearers (24% decrease from 155,496 furbearers harvested in 2008-2009). An estimated 52,431 raccoon (Procyon lotor) were taken by trappers in 2009-2010, more than any other furbearer species. Estimated harvest of other species included 31,942 common muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), 1,792 American mink (Neovison vison), 14,203 Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), 1,001 red fox (Vulpes vulpes), 71 gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), 7,697 American beaver (Castor canadensis), 3,784 striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), 29 least/long-tailed weasel (Mustela nivalis/M. frenata), 4,585 coyote (Canis latrans), and 62 American badger (Taxidea taxus). A majority (90%) of respondents reported using body-gripping traps (e.g. Conibear™) during the 2009-2010 season. Sightings of North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) and bobcat (Lynx rufus) by trappers, and harvest of furbearers by hunting trappers, were also documented.

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

• Technical Report INHS 2011 (04)
• Illinois Trapper Survey

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/59127

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Illinois Natural History Survey

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.

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