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Report of a survey completed to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered in 2009.
Report on why using a bobcat bounty is not the answer to solving scarcity problems among its prey.
A survey of furtakers was conducted following the 2001 hunting and trapping seasons to determine the number of participants, days afield, and furbearer harvests.
Report on the results of the 1993-1994 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
A survey was completed to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered.
Pressure by concerned organizations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has caused the Fish and Wildlife Service to compile comprehensive data on some furbearers. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of populations and to justify continued harvesting and exportation of pelts. During the winter of 1981-82, the Wildlife Division undertook collection of hunter and trapper harvested bobcats (Felis rufus) in order to increase knowledge of this species and to evaluate possible field techniques for sex and age determination. The sex ratio of the bobcats examined from Region I was 41:28, males to females. The young-of-the-year percentage was down slightly from last year, but the age groups 0 to 3 years again made up over 80% of the total animals harvested and submitted. The yearling age class was greatest in occurrence. The sex ratio of the bobcats examined from Region II was skewed heavily towards males (20:7). This is a much higher figure than has been reported before. Over forty percent of the animals were young-of-the-year, and nearly 75 percent were in the age classes 0-3 years.
Report on the results of the 1990-1991 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
A survey was completed to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered. Estimates derived from harvest surveys, as well as information from mandatory registration reports, field surveys, and population modeling are used to monitor bobcat populations and establish harvest regulations.
A survey was completed to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered. Estimates derived from harvest surveys, as well as information from mandatory registration reports, field surveys, and population modeling are used to monitor bobcat populations and establish harvest regulations.
A survey was completed to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered.
Report on a systematic investigation into the various roles predatory mammals play and their values in Michigan.
Report on the results of the 1991-1992 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
Report of a survey of a sample furtakers contacted after the 2012 hunting and trapping seasons to estimate the number of participants, days afield (effort), and furbearer harvests.
Report on the results of the 2001-2002 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan supports numerous furbearer species, and the Department of Natural Resources is charged with managing the "Endangered" but rapidly recovering gray wolf (Canis lupus), the reintroduced fisher (Martes pennanti) and marten (M. americana), the Federally regulated bobcat (Lynx rufus) and river otter (Lutra canadensis), and a number of other furbearers of varying status. Harvest information and physical data have been collected as part of the registration process for fisher, bobcat, river otter, badger, and incidental marten captures. Furbearer Winter Track Count Surveys have been attempted in the UP since 1996, and formal summaries of the results of the surveys conducted in 1998-2001 were reported. A winter track count approach was selected, because many of the species of greatest concern are active on the surface of the snow during winter, and suitable snow tracking conditions in the UP normally extend from late January until early April. In 2001, survey routes were redefined as a single stretch of road or trail with minimum right-of-way improvement, approximately 8 km in length. Most of the former route "segments" were designated as "routes", individual routes were surveyed as time and snow conditions permitted, and routes became the sampling unit from which data were analyzed. Ninety-three routes were surveyed in 2002 and routes were surveyed 1-3 days after a marker snow. Data from 9 of 11 furbearers and 4 of 5 other species of interest were collected along the 744.8 km of roads and trails surveyed. Marten tracks were found on 41% of the routes surveyed in 2002. Coyote (Canis latrans) was the most widely distributed furbearer, leaving tracks along 74% of the routes surveyed. Lagomorphs (snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus and cottontail rabbit, Sylvilagus floridanus) were more widely distributed, being detected along 81% of the routes surveyed.
A survey was completed to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered.
A survey of furtakers was conducted following the 1997-2000 hunting and trapping seasons to determine the number of participants, days afield, and furbearer harvests.
Pressure by concerned organizations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has caused the Fish and Wildlife Service to compile comprehensive data on some furbearers. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of populations and to justify continued harvesting and exportation of pelts. During the winter of 1982-83, the Wildlife Division collected bobcats (Felis rufus) from hunters and trappers to increase the knowledge of this species, and to evaluate possible field techniques for sex and age determination. The sex ratio of the bobcats examined from Region I was 100:82 (33:27), males to females. The percentage of young-of-the-year submitted was down for the second year in a row. falling from 40% in 1980-81, to 35% in 1981-82, and to 30% in 1982-83. The age groups 0 to 3 years for the third year in a row made up nearly 80% of the total animals submitted. The sex ratio of bobcats examined from Region II was moderately skewed toward males: 100:65 (20:13). This was fairly consistent with the previously mentioned studies, but was considerably less than last year's ratio 100:35 (20 males:7 females). Only 18% of the animals were young-of-the-year, with age groups 1 to 6 years being nearly equally represented in the sample (9-15%).
Report on the results of the 1989-1990 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
Results of the 2005-2006 Bobcat Survey, the 26th consecutive year of the survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats.
Report on the results of the 1986-1987 Bobcat Survey. Pressure by concerned organizations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has caused the Fish and Wildlife Service to compile comprehensive data on state furbearers.
A sample of furtakers was contacted after the 2003 hunting and trapping seasons to estimate the number of participants, days afield, and furbearer harvests. In 2003, about 13,000 furtakers pursued furbearers, an increase of 7% from 2002. The species most frequently pursued by trappers were raccoons, coyotes, and muskrats. Hunters most commonly sought coyotes, raccoons, and red fox. Harvest levels of most furbearers in 2003 were within historical ranges, except for harvest of muskrats and raccoons. The number of muskrats taken by trappers was the lowest recorded since 1957, and the number of raccoons taken by hunters was the lowest recorded since 1980. Trends in harvest are affected by both changes in furtaker and furbearer numbers; thus, harvest per furtaker was also examined for trends. The mean number of raccoon and opossum taken per furtaker has increased since the 1980s. The mean harvest of coyotes per hunter has increased since the mid-1980s, while the mean harvest of red fox by both hunters and trappers has declined during this same period. These trends suggest that raccoon, opossum, and coyote may have been increasing in abundance during the last 20 years, while red fox numbers may have been declining. An estimated 24% of trappers attempted to catch coyote or fox using snares, and 8% of trappers tried to catch beaver using snares set underwater. About 4% of bobcat hunters hired a guide to assist them while hunting bobcats. Nearly 59% of bobcat hunters used calls while hunting bobcats, and 45% of bobcat hunters used dogs.
Survey of a sample of furtakers contacted after the 2007 hunting and trapping seasons to estimate the number of participants, days afield (effort), and furbearer harvests.
Report on the results of the 1995-1996 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats.
Report on the results of the 2003-2004 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats.
Summary of reports on investigations of alleged bobcat predations on deer in Chippewa County.
Report on the results of the 2002-2003 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats.
Report on the results of the 1998-1999 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats.
A sample of furtakers was contacted after the 2006 hunting and trapping seasons to estimate the number of participants, days afield (effort), and furbearer harvests. In 2006, about 15,000 furtakers pursued furbearers; an increase of 14% from 2005. About 37% of the license buyers trapped (8,793 trappers), 43% hunted (10,183 hunters), and 16% (3,925) both trapped and hunted. Trapper numbers increased 26% and hunter numbers increased 9% between 2005 and 2006. Changes for days of effort by hunters and trappers between 2005 and 2006 generally followed changes in the number of furtakers. Hunters most commonly sought coyotes, raccoons, and red fox. The species most frequently pursued by trappers were raccoons, muskrats, and coyotes. Although participation and effort increased between 2005 and 2006 for most species, harvest increased only for raccoons and muskrats. Only harvest for otter declined significantly between 2005 and 2006. Harvest levels of all furbearers in 2006 were within historical ranges. Trends in harvest can be affected by both changes in furtaker and furbearer numbers; thus, harvest per furtaker was also examined for trends. The mean number of raccoon and opossum taken per furtaker has increased since the 1980s. The mean harvest of coyotes per hunter has increased since the mid-1980s, while the mean harvest of red fox by both hunters and trappers has declined during this same period. These trends suggest raccoon, opossum, and coyote may have been increasing in abundance during the last 20 years, while red fox numbers may have been declining. An estimated 92% of trappers that tried to catch coyote or fox used foothold traps. About 29% of coyote and fox trappers used snares in their attempts to catch coyote or fox. Overall, about 25% of active trappers and hunters were members of a furbearer hunting or trapping organization in 2006. If the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed a voluntary trapper education course, nearly 50% of furtakers indicated that would be interested in participating.
Comments on the 1950-1951 kill by hunters and trappers of most species (not including pheasants and deer).
At the end of the 1996-97 fur harvester seasons, 977 license buyers were mailed a questionnaire asking for the results of their hunting and trapping efforts. Those who failed to respond to the original mailing were sent up to three reminders. A total of 775 questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 79 percent. The number of Fur Harvester licenses sold in 1996-97 increased 22 percent from 1995-96. An estimated 10,947 individuals (81%) hunted or trapped furbearing animals using one of the five license types. Approximately sixty percent of these individuals (6,575) used traps while sixty-four percent (7,061) hunted furbearers. Of those participating in the season, twenty four percent (2,689) both hunted and trapped furbearers. The majority of raccoon, coyote, and bobcat were taken by hunters, while trappers took a greater number of opossum, skunk, weasel, and fox. Trapping is the only legal means of take for mink, muskrat, beaver. otter, fisher, and badger. Based on days of effort, raccoon and muskrat were the primary targets of trappers, while hunters put their greatest effort toward the pursuit of raccoon and coyote. Harvests of coyote and bobcat by both hunters and trappers increased from 1994-95 to 1996-97. Coyote harvest increased four-fold for hunters and doubled for trappers during that period. Bobcat harvest increased by 6 percent for hunters and 10 percent for trappers during the same period. Dramatic changes in harvests from 1994-95 to 1996-97 also occurred for raccoon, opossum, and fox. Raccoon and opossum trapping harvest increased by 30 percent during that period, while red fox trapping harvest decreased by 36 percent. Red fox hunting harvest tripled and gray fox hunting harvest increased by 81 percent during that same period, while opossum hunting harvest decreased by 96 percent.
Since 1980, annual surveys using entire bobcat (Felis rufus) carcasses obtained from cooperating hunters and trappers have been conducted in Michigan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using measurements of lower canines for determining the sex of Michigan bobcats. T
The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan supports numerous furbearer species, and the Department of Natural Resources is charged with managing the "Endangered" but rapidly recovering gray wolf (Canis lupus), the reintroduced fisher (Martes pennanti) and marten (M. americana), the Federally regulated bobcat (Lynx rufus) and river otter (Lutra canadensis), and a number of other furbearers of varying status. Harvest information and physical data have been collected as part of the registration process for fisher, bobcat, river otter, badger, and incidental marten captures. Furbearer Winter Track Count Surveys have been attempted in the UP since 1996, and formal summaries of the results of the surveys conducted in 1998-2000 were reported. A winter track count approach was selected, because many of the species of greatest concern are active on the surface of the snow during winter, and suitable snow tracking conditions in the UP normally extend from late January until early April. Routes were surveyed 1-3 days after a marker snow, and data from 11 furbearers and 5 other species of interest were collected. Marten tracks were found along 48% of the segments surveyed in 2001. The coyote (Canis latrans) was the most widely distributed furbearer, leaving tracks along 78% of the segments surveyed. The Lagomorphs (snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus and cottontail rabbit, Sylvilagus floridanus) were the most widely distributed species group, being detected along 75% of the segments surveyed.
Past estimates of the ages of bobcats (Lynx rufus) have been made counting cementum annuli in canine teeth. However, a canine tooth is impractical to remove from a live-trapped bobcat, and its absence may significantly reduce the fitness of the animal after release. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using cementum annuli counts from alternate teeth for bobcat age estimates. Attempts to extract both upper and lower tooth rows from bobcat carcasses revealed that lower incisors would be the only teeth readily extracted from anesthetized bobcats. The lower third incisors can be used effectively in situations where canine teeth are impractical to remove.
Report on the results of the 1999-2000 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
Report on the results of the 1987-1988 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
Report on the results of the 1992-1993 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
Report on the results of the 2000-2001 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
Report of a survey of a sample of furtakers contacted after the 2010 hunting and trapping seasons to estimate the number of participants, days afield (effort), and furbearer harvests.
Report on the purpose and methods of predator control in Michigan.
At the end of the 1988-89 fur harvester season 1,980 license buyers were mailed a questionnaire asking for the results of their hunting and trapping efforts. In 1988-89, the numbers of both hunters and trappers were down from the previous season. The number of individual trappers (6,700) declined 41 percent compared to last year, while the number of hunters (7,650) pursuing furbearers dropped 30 percent. This was the first time since the issuance of furharvester licenses (1986) that hunters outnumbered trappers. Three years of trapping/hunting responses from past fur harvest questionnaires indicate that the majority of raccoon, coyote. and bobcat are taken by hunters, while trappers consistently take a greater number of mink, opossum, skunk, weasel, and fox. The only legal means of take for muskrat, beaver and otter is trapping. In general, fewer trappers took fewer numbers of furbearers during the 1988-89 seasons compared to the previous year: only increased numbers of beaver, weasels, and coyotes were trapped. Decreased harvest was also reported by hunters. The only significant increase in harvest was recorded for gray fox: although hunter rates of weasels and bobcat were up slightly.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires hunters and trappers to present all harvested bobcat (Felis rufus) for collection of biological data and sealing of pelts. This provides the DNR with an estimate of bobcat harvest, and biological data for use in assessing the bobcat population. The number of bobcats registered during the 2006-2007 season (850) was up slightly from the 2005-2006 season (817). The mandatory submission of bobcat teeth resulted in 784 useable samples for a compliance rate of 92.2% (784/850).
Report of a survey completed to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered in 2012.
Results of survey to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered in 2011.
Reports on the results of the 1984-1985 Bobcat Survey. Pressure by concerned organizations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has caused the Fish and Wildlife Service to compile comprehensive data on some furbearers. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of populations and to justify continued harvesting and exportation of pelts.
The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan supports numerous furbearer species, and the Department of Natural Resources is charged with managing the "Endangered" but rapidly recovering gray wolf (Canis lupus), the reintroduced fisher (Martes pennanti) and marten (M. americana), the Federally regulated bobcat (Lynx rufus) and river otter (Lutra canadensis), and a number of other furbearers of varying status. Harvest information and physical data have been collected as part of the registration process for fisher, bobcat, river otter, badger, and incidental marten captures. Furbearer Winter Track Count Surveys have been attempted in the UP since 1996, and formal summaries of the results of the survey conducted in 1998 and 1999 were reported. A winter track count approach was selected, because many of the species of greatest concern are active on the surface of the snow during winter, and suitable snow tracking conditions in the UP normally extend from late January until early April. Routes were surveyed 1-3 days after a marker snow, and data from 11 furbearers and 5 other species of interest were collected. Marten tracks were found along 48% of the segments surveyed in 2000. The coyote (Canis latrans) was the most widely distributed furbearer, leaving tracks along 78% of the segments surveyed. The Lagomorphs (snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus and cottontail rabbit, Sylvilagus floridanus) were the most widely distributed species group, being detected along 79% of the segments surveyed.
Furtakers were surveyed following the 2002 hunting and trapping seasons to determine the number of participants, days afield, and furbearer harvests. In 2002, about 12,000 furtakers pursued furbearers, approximately the same as in 2001. The species most frequently pursued by trappers were raccoons, muskrats, coyotes, and opossum. Hunters most commonly sought coyotes and raccoons. Harvest levels of most furbearers in 2002 were within historical ranges except for coyote. A record high number of coyotes was taken by trappers in 2002. Trends in harvest are affected by both changes in furtaker and furbearer numbers; thus, harvest per furtaker was also examined for trends. The mean number of raccoon and opossum taken per furtaker has increased since the 1980s. The mean harvest of coyotes per hunter has increased since the mid-1980s, while the mean harvest of red fox by both hunters and trappers has declined during this same period. These trends suggest that raccoon, opossum, and coyote may have been increasing in abundance during the last 20 years, while red fox numbers may have been declining.
Report of survey of a sample of furtakers contacted after the 2009 hunting and trapping seasons to estimate the number of participants, days afield (effort), and furbearer harvests.
Report of survey of a sample of furtakers contacted after the 2008 hunting and trapping seasons to estimate the number of participants, days afield (effort), and furbearer harvests.
A survey was completed to determine the number of people hunting and trapping bobcats in Michigan, the number of days spent afield (effort), and the number of bobcats registered. In 2006, 4,357 people obtained a bobcat harvest tag valid for the hunting and trapping seasons. About 64% (2,772) of these tag-holders attempted to hunt or trap bobcats, and 28% of these furtakers registered at least one bobcat. An estimated 1,903 people attempted to hunt bobcats and spent 19,188 days hunting and registered 386 bobcats. Nearly 1,103 people attempted to trap bobcats and spent nearly 32,285 days trapping and registered 560 bobcats.
