Issue/Problem Statement
An accurate record of harvests for fur bearing animals is valuable in determining the trend of annual species abundance, assessing the impact of harvest at the county level and tracking historical trends. It is one of the tools useful in providing data to ensure that harvests do not diminish a population's biological capacity to replace itself on a sustained basis. Other associated information is useful in assessing trends in tools, training, demographic characteristics, etc. of participants in this wildlife harvest activity.
Objective
To compile accurate annual records of all furbearers taken under the authority of a fur harvester license.
Methods
Data is compiled at the Area Office level by means of records from the mandatory license returns and fur buyer slips. Follow-ups are required to get complete information. The data is entered in a computer database and forwarded to the Wildlife Division for competition. Cross checks are made with export statistics to check for discrepancies in either data set.
Partners
Licensed fur harvesters and fur buyers, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Regional Services.
Project Dates and Duration
Data is collected at the Area Office level between March 15 and April 15. Data entry and report generation normally complete by June 30.
Progress to Date
Data has been collected since 1976/77 season. Reports generated annually. Fur Harvester Report Card may now be submitted via internet.
Reporting
Results published annually in N.S. Trappers Newsletter and on DNR website. Raw data and summary tables maintained in electronic format.
Management Recommendations
Continue. Data essential for resource management.
Final Report:
NA
Completion Dates:
NA