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Don't put your restraining traps for coyotes away just because the snow is deep. You could be missing out on some great winter trapping and it can increase the use you normally get out of your footholds during the winter. NBTFHF President Charles Neveu gives details on the "Snowmobile Track Set" and bait piles. Click Here for the article!

 

News from the Northwest Council

January 27th 2013: The North-West Trappers Council had their annual meeting during which a new board was to be elected. Re-elected president Gérard Levesque, Re-elected treasurer Burt Laforge and Re-elected secretary Marc Devost. 35 members participated in this meeting, a great turnout! As you can see our Council brings together people of all ages. What a vibrant group! Thank you everyone for showing up every time. We also took the time to showcase the prizes received by our Council members during the annual NBTFHF Convention in Fredericton: Riley Givskud received the Jr. Skinner award, Michael 'Puss' Michaud was named Trapper of the Year and Gérard Levesque was named Instructor of the Year. The council is very proud of these achievements.

 

 

See more photos from the Northwest Council by clicking here!

Restigouche Council

 

A long time proud member of the Restigouche Trappers Council, 80 year old Mr. Wilfred Arseneau with some nice catches from november 1983. Nice big coyote in picture above, coyote number 9 and a nice fox in picture #2 and proudly showing beavers in picture #3

  

Click on Pictures to view larger.

ATV Trail Pass Now Required

ATV Riders in New Brunswick are required to purchase a trail pass effective January 1st, 2013. Legislation passed by the Alward Government has made it mandatory for ATVers to have a trail pass when riding on designated trails in the province. Riders not having a pass will be subject to a $172.50 fine if caught without one.

 

This will no doubt have an effect on some trappers as many trappers use an ATV on at least part of their line. Some even argue that they have been using some trails for decades and ATV clubs have simply claimed them as their own and designated them as club trails. Trail passes range from $25 - $75 dollars depending on if a seasonal or annual pass is purchased. Further details can be found on the Government of NB website. Click Here For More

Snowmobile Trail Pass Application

 

New Brunswick Trappers & Fur Harvesters Federation members can apply for a NBFSC Trail Pass at no cost to carry out trapping activities using designated NBFSC trails. Only NBTFHF members are eligible to apply and the application must be submitted to NBTFHF Secretary Gerry Williamson.

DOWNLOAD PASS APPLICATION HERE.

 

 

Restigouche Council Workshop

On September 15th, 18 people (including 80 years young Wilfred Arseneau) attended the Restigouche Trappers Council's second annual trappers workshop. Terry Landry (instructor) assisted by Stephen Scott (Long Creek Outfiitters) demonstrated how to clean, dip and wax traps. The Restigouche Trappers Council would like to thank the NB Wildlife Trust Fund and Carl (The Legend) Cyr for helping us in making this enjoyable day possible. And thanks also to Mr. Dale Laflamme for his hospitality.

 

Click to view larger image

 

Fur Harvesters Can Now Carry .22 On Sunday

 

Fur Harvesters in New Brunswick may now carry a .22 Rimfire on Sundays for dispatch purposes. Firearms must be cased while being transported or carried in the field to trap locations and must be re-cased immediately after dispatching a live-caught furbearer. The exceptions are the three Sundays in deer season when Sunday hunting is legal.

 

The NBTFHF has long argued that trappers should be able to carry a .22 for dispatching purposes in the interest of safety and a quick dispatch. Thumbs up to the NBTFHF in getting this legislation passed.

 

 

Record Moose Harvest for 2012

 

Moose hunters in New Brunswick set an all-time record during the three-day hunt this year, partly because of an increase in licences issued.

Early figures from the Department of Natural Resources show a harvest of 3,556 moose — a jump of 44 per cent from 2011.

Over the past two years, more than 1,000 licences have been added, many in areas with a high number of moose-vehicle collisions.

"A couple of areas were in the Sackville area and then the Edmundston area, where the highest percentage of moose collisions were. So we were able to give out more licences in those areas," said Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup.

Hunters who were issued licences also had better success, with 75 per cent getting a moose this season.

Source (CBC)

 

 

 

 

NBTFHF Secretary Gerry Williamson with his 2012 Moose

 

 

NBTFHF Summer Rendezvous 2012

Raffle Winners

1st Prize Gary Whelton   sold by Gary Whelton 
 
2nd Prize Gerard Babineau sold by Charles Leblanc
 
3rd Prize Gary Whelton sold by Gary Whelton

 

NBTFHF President on Coyotes

 

NBTFHF President Charles Neveu provides some interesting information on coyote trapping undertaken by trappers in the Drummond - Grand Falls area of New Brunswick. Read his President's Report by clicking here!

NB Wolf Confirmed

 

DNA testing has confirmed that a canine shot in April on the Acadian Peninsula is indeed a wolf, making it the first killed in the province since 1876.

 

The animal which weighed 86 pounds was shot by a hunter in the Caraquet area. The hunter called the animal in with an electronic predator call and shot it thinking it was a coyote. Once he got close to the animal, he realized it was considerably larger than the average coyote and started to think it may be part wolf.

 

Department of Natural resources were contacted as well as NB Museum zoologist Don McAlpine for positive identification. As a result, DNA was sent off for testing for confirmation of species.

 

With confirmation that the animal was indeed a wolf, it will now be a wait and see session to find out what steps will be taken by officials as far as protection measures in the province. Will hunting and trapping regulations change? Will forestry practices and methods be refined or will the animal simply be passed off as an escaped pet or transient wolf straying out of it's territory.

 

 

Could NB Have a Turkey Season in the Future?

Hunters in New Brunswick may get to enjoy a Wild Turkey season in the future. The New Brunswick chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has applied for permission to import and release wild turkeys in New Brunswick. A consulting firm has been hired to carry out a study and make a pitch to the Department of Natural Resources for permission to release the birds here.

 

There are concerns that the large birds could have an effect on the Ruffed Grouse. Many north eastern U.S. states have healthy populations of both bird species that co-exist quite well so the fears may be unfounded. Rob Wilson, an avid hunter and president of the Saint John chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, said turkeys were in New Brunswick before and should return.

 

Even without importing turkeys from outside the province, it appears they are here anyway. Large flocks have been spotted all over southern and western New Brunswick, and it appears they are migrating here from the state of Maine.

 

 

Natural Resources to Close 11 District Offices

 

The Department of Natural Resources is closing 11 of its 28 district offices over the next two years as a part of the Alward government’s deficit-fighting plan.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup announced the closures in the legislature Wednesday.

“The district office closures are designed so there is a maximum of one hour's travel time from one DNR office to the next closest. These closures will affect the number of administrative support staff in the regions,” Northrup said.

“I wish to assure staff that we will work to the best of our ability to minimize the impact of these closures and that everyone will be treated fairly.”

The department will close offices in Coles Island, Nackawic, Petitcodiac, Saint-Léonard and Sunny Corner by June 29.

The remainder of the district office closures will be implemented next year.

The Bathurst, Blackville, Boucher, Kedgwick, Miramichi, Hampton and Welsford offices will be closed in 2013. The Hampton and Welsford offices will be merged into a new office in the greater Saint John area.

Northrup said the office closures may actually help enforcement.

Forest rangers will spend more time in their trucks — equipped with laptops, GPS systems and other technology.

"It's going to put more people out in the woods, instead of sitting behind a desk, and we feel very confident that it's going to be more protection for our natural resources in New Brunswick," Northrup said Wednesday.

Liberal critic Denis Landry said closing offices will affect the public's access to services.

"How is it going to work? If I have to go and ask a ranger for a meeting with him, am I going to meet with him in that truck?" Landry questioned.

The provincial government announced in its latest budget that it would reduce the 2012-13 deficit to $183 million from the $471 million in the existing fiscal year.

The Department of Natural Resources will save $1.5 million by reducing office space around the province, according to the finance minister's latest budget.

The provincial government has already started a pilot project to equip conservation staff with new technology in their vehicles.

"The result was an 18 per cent increase in the time they spent in the field protecting our natural resources," Northrup said.

 

(Source CBC News)

 

 

D. Bruce Williams

1949-2012

 

Williams, D. Bruce (1949-2012) Bruce Williams, 62, of Salisbury, NB, passed away at the Moncton Hospital surrounded by love on Sunday, March 18, 2012.
Born in Antigonish, NS he was the son of Marjorie (West) and the late Edmund Williams, Salisbury.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 41 years, Darlene (Colpitts) and daughter Melanie, Moncton; brother George (Carmella); sisters Jean Jensen (Karl), Salisbury and Tracy Busson (Reg), Chipman; brother-in-law Dennis Colpitts (Donna), Salisbury; nieces and nephews Tanya, David, Joanna Williams, Kelsey, Courtney, Denver Busson, Dean Colpitts (Paula) and great-niece, Chloe.
Bruce was a former helicopter pilot with the Canadian Armed Forces, owner of Nelderdale Fox Ranch and also operated a wildlife nuisance control company. He was involved in many areas of the wildlife and insurance sectors and served on many boards throughout the years. He was Chairman of Southeastern Mutual Insurance Company, Riverview, Past-Chair of United General Insurance Company, Fredericton, Chairman of the Fur Institute of Canada, Ottawa, Treasurer of the International Fur Trade Federation, London, England and Board member of Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan, Cambridge, Ontario. He was also a mason with Harmony Lodge #20, Salisbury.
Resting at Salisbury Funeral Home and Crematorium, 3350 Salisbury Road (372-4800), visitation will be Tuesday, March 20, 6:30 - 9:00 pm (Masonic service at 6 pm). A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, March 21, 2pm with Rev. Dan Compton officiating.
Memorials, if desired, to the Cancer Society or charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.
To send your condolences to Bruce’s family, please use the following address and/or e-mail.
 
73 Salisbury Back Road
Colpitts Settlement, NB
E4J 2Z2
 
or - dbwllms@nb.sympatico.ca  
 

2012 Workshop & Convention
by Frank Hathaway



The Northwest and Tobique Trappers Councils held their 11th annual Trappers workshop on Jan. 12th and 13th in conjunction with the annual N.B. Trappers and Fur Harvesters Convention on Jan. 14th, 2012.

The workshop was held at Levesque Farms with Donald Parent as co-ordinator. It was an extreme success with attendance at an all time high with people from N.B., Quebec and the state of Maine. Some of N.B.'s top trappers put on every kind of demo pertaining to trapping. A supper was served by chef Romeo Beaulieu. One trapper said he had 4 bowls of the chicken stew which says it all for Romeo's cooking abilities.

A special project this year was an educational day for the Grade 4 students from surrounding areas of the two councils. This was co-ordinated by Bernard Levesque and Frank Hathaway and set up at the E.P. Senechal Sports Center.

Twenty-five volunteers gathered and set up different stations as follows;


1. A large area was laid out imitating a forest with N.B.'s 11 mounted furbearers, plus a Canada lynx in their natural habitat, bee's nests, bird's nests, trees, cones, leaves, needles, blow downs and all native species of trees. A road was constructed with a culvert and a 20 foot beaver dam, complete with beaver house and a muskrat house.


2. Claire Caron, of the Wildlife Trust Fund, was set up to explain the Trust Fund goals and objectives. It was a grant from the Trust Fund which helped make this day such a huge success.


3. Mark Finnigan, professional fur grader for Fur Harvesters Auction, was next with a huge display of N.B.'s 11 furbearers, plus all other furs across Canada. This site was a hit as Mark had furs dyed hot pink and many other colors. One grade 4 student described the colored presentation as 'cool'.


4. Dept. of Natural Resources was next with a beautiful booth showing and providing special information about N.B. furbearers.


5.James Ritchie, from Moncton Council, was next, skinning a muskrat. One student described it
saying " putting it on a plank". The students found this demo very interesting as it was the first time they had seen an animal skinned.


6.This booth consisted of all the latest traps, freshly pelted animals of all species and how each specie is boarded.


7. James Goodine of Plaster Rock, showed students how he pounded and prepared black ash for the making of pack baskets, which are used today by many trappers. James had many types of baskets on display and he presented each school with one.


8. The last booth was John Richard of Fur Harvesters Auction, demonstrating a fur pick-up and explaining the details.

The educational day saw 282 students attending. Handouts, which consisted of pencils from Trust Fund and NAFA Auction House and a 12 inch ruler and coloring book from Tobique and North West councils, were given to each student.

The Convention started on Jan.14th with a very large crowd in attendance. The same booths were still set up plus many more which included councils from around the Province, Fur n Things, and Guildo Couturier making snowshoes. There were pelting and boarding demos all day. On the ground floor were N.A.F.A, Furharvesters and Gaston Henri of Quebec, picking up fur. Trap sales were brisk with Steven Scott and Roland Michaud set up for sales. Kirby Burtt and Bill Makowsky were there representing the Wild Fur Shippers Council. Marshall Christie was on hand representing the C.N.T.A.

The educational day, workshop and Convention were a huge success due to our many volunteers and both Councils, whom we would like to say a huge Thank- You. A special Thanks to Dave Bosma of Fur Harvesters for Mark Finnigan and John Richard for their special presentations. Thank-You everyone.
 

Live Feed Camera In Maine Black Bear Den

 

On behalf of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, I would like to inform you of an exciting new endeavour the Department has undertaken with the Wildlife Research Foundation.


We urge you to visit the Foundation's new website by clicking here. A camera has been placed in a bear den in northern Maine, providing 24/7 streaming of one of our radio collared bears, "Lugnut" who birthed two cubs on January 16. This is the first time a live streaming video has been placed in a wild Maine Black Bear den.
The website provides us with an opportunity to share Lugnut's world and watch her as she raises her cubs. You will also see videos of our bears "Spunky" and "Nell" and as the project develops, we will follow those bears and others.


There are videos that tell the story of the north Maine woods, its habitat, including how the camera was installed in the den. Fascinating stuff.


The video in Lugnut's den provides not only a unique visual, but audio as well; the two cubs (yet un-named) often squeal and protest quite loudly as they adjust to life in the den.


The Foundation's mission statement states their goal is to provide funds and support to the scientific community and wildlife managers to enhance wildlife and habitat research and inform and educate the general public concerning the value and necessity of wildlife research. The bear cam allows us to do that in a fun and exciting way!


The Foundation approached the Department with this unique opportunity and we are pleased to work with them to educate the public on Maine's Black Bear population and urge donations to the Department's wildlife research projects. Maine is fortunate to have two of the most well respected bear biologists in the nation, Randy Cross and Jen Vashon, and I know the website will be an effective and exciting tool to educate people around the world about Maine's Black Bears.


The website has become popular right out of the gate. It has been live for just two weeks, and has had over 15,000 visitors.


We encourage you to share this link to the website with your family, friends and colleagues, urging them to follow the story of Lugnut and her cubs and to also support the work of the Foundation and Maine's wildlife research projects.


Thank you very much and I hope you will follow Lugnut's journey as I will on a daily basis!


Sincerely,
Chandler E. Woodcock
Commissioner
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Watch The Video Here

 

 

Muskrat Makes Wall Street Journal

 

By JOEL MILLMAN

CALUMET, Mich.—The North American muskrat market has been booming, thanks to soaring purchases by Chinese and other newly rich nations that need muskrat fur to line coats and footwear

Specifically, they want muskrat bellies, the felt-like fur that is practically impermeable to moisture. At $10 per pelt—five times what muskrats fetched in the 1990s—pelts were trading at new highs when bidding for last season's furs ended in June.

But some in the belly trade are casting worried glances at Europe, where fur sales are expected to be soft this winter. That could drag prices down for trappers here, and the current muskrat mania could prove to be a belly flop.

Read the rest of the story here!

The New Brunswick Trappers & Fur Harvesters Federation would like to remind pet owners and the general public the Fur Harvesting & Trapping Season is now underway in New Brunswick until February 28th. Fur Harvesters must show responsibility in where they set traps as well as follow provincial regulations when doing so. We ask that pet owners also be responsible and not let their pets run at large as per provincial regulations. Nobody, trapper or pet owner wants to see harm come to a pet. For more information, please view the Pet Owners Guide on the Department of Natural Resources website.

CNTA Now Offers Trappers Liability Insurance

Canadian Trappers are now eligible for $2,000,000.00 Trappers Liability Insurance simply by joining the Canadian National Trappers Alliance. Effective November 15, 2011, paid members of the Canadian National Trappers Alliance will automatically be covered for the $2 Million in liability insurance at no cost other than the $20 annual membership fee. It is a fantastic deal for trappers in Canada. It is an excellent opportunity to be covered for liability and support your National trapping organization at the same time, for only twenty bucks!

 

Return of the Wolf to New Brunswick

 

A recent story in the Telegraph Journal has naturalists believing that it is only a matter of time until we see wolves returning to New Brunswick forests. They have steadily been migrating to the North-eastern United States and have been confirmed in the state of Maine and the province of Quebec. It's not too far fetched to think they may already be here.

There have been a number of reports of residents hearing howling at night. But, it is not the short yippy higher pitched howling they are hearing. It is a longer, deeper, moaning type howl more consistent with wolves. Do we already have a few here? Over the past decade, NB residents have reported seeing wolves dozens of times. However, no physical evidence has turned up that there are indeed wolves in New Brunswick. The article can be viewed by clicking here.

New Brunswick Conservation Officers Get New Look

New Brunswick Conservation Officers have a new look. You may have noticed the new "Badge" on the doors of Conservation Officers trucks lately. They are more easily recognizable as Conservation Officers than the previous Province of New Brunswick logo which all DNR vehicles carried. They now look more in line with CO vehicles from other provinces and U.S. states.

 

View the 2012 Trapping & Hunting Regulations

(Click on the booklet cover) Adobe Reader is Required

  • Fur Harvesting Seasons Start & End Dates

  • Wildlife Management Zones

  • What's New for the 2012 - 2013 Season

  • Bobcat Tag Draw Information

  • Certified & Allowable List of Traps

  • Fur Harvesting Regulations

  • Information on Wildlife Diseases

  • Hunting Regulations

  • Hunting Seasons Start & End Dates

  • Daily Hunting Start & End Times

  • Dept of Natural Resources Contact Information

Trapping & Hunting User Fees Increase

For the first time ever, New Brunswick Trappers will be required to pay a fee to apply for the Bobcat Tag Draw. Trappers wishing to apply for Bobcat tags will have to pay a $9.00 fee to do so. A Fur Traders license will increase to $37.50 from $25.00 and a Taxidermy license will increase to $15.00 from $10.00. Applying for the annual Moose License Draw will also now cost $10.50 if applying in person and $6.30 to apply online.

 

The New Brunswick Department of Finance says it's raising the user fees to bring them inline with what other provinces pay. The department said the cost of managing hunting, trapping and angling programs exceeds the revenue generated from licence sales and that the fee increases are intended to help the department cover the cost of some of these programs.

Moncton Reporter Receives Award

Moncton Times & Transcript reporter, Jim Foster, accepts the Irwin McIntosh Memorial Award from NB Trappers & Fur Harvesters Federation Moncton Council Director, Brent Renton (left) and Moncton Council President, Lloyd Thurrott (right).

 

 

Support the NBTFHF by Donating a Fur

 

The NBTFHF works tirelessly for the Trappers of New Brunswick in many trapping & fur harvesting related matters. Much of that work is done behind the scenes and benefits both NBTFHF members and non-member trappers alike. The NBTFHF Executive & directors work closely with Fish & Wildlife, DNR, outdoor use groups and many other agencies and organizations to help preserve and maintain trapping as we know it today. The input from the NBTFHF is invaluable in setting seasons, quotas, regulation changes and insuring the trappers of New Brunswick are given a fair shake.

 

Although the work is done by volunteers, there are incurring expenses to do so. Our winter convention, Summer Rendezvous, Website and Newsletter all cost money but are necessary to promote trapping, educate both trappers and non-trappers and keep trappers informed and aware of anything related to trapping. Unfortunately, with only 20% of licensed NB trappers buying a membership, the budget gets pretty limited at times. In order to help our budget out, the NBTFHF is asking all trappers to "Donate Fur the Federation" .

 

It's not always easy to part with cold hard cash, but donating a pelt seems a little easier and will help the NBTFH in exactly the same way. When your dropping your fur off to Fur Harvesters Auction or North American Fur Auctions for sale at the auction, donate a pelt (or two) to the NBTFHF. We have an account at both Auction Houses and you simply have to tell the pick-up agent you'd like to donate it to the NBTFHF and give them the fur you'd like to donate.

 

The New Brunswick Trappers & Fur Harvesters would like to thank trappers in advance for their donation, it will be greatly appreciated and certainly be a big help in our continued work to benefit trappers in NB.

 

Plaster Rock Area Trappers Take Trapper Ed Course

 

 

A Trapper Education course was held on April 29th, 2011 at the Plaster Rock Welcome Center. A total of 22 students took part in the course. Everybody present showed lots of enthusiasm and was eager to learn. A special thank you goes out to the Professional Volunteer Instructors who took the time to instruct during this fun and instructive weekend; Frank Hathaway, Bert Laforge, Charles Neveu, Roland Michaud & Ken Eagle. (Taken picture, Donald Parent, Region 4 – Trapper Education Coordinator).

 

 

Warning Poster Available for Download

 

Trappers who would like to warn the general public that fur harvesting is taking place in their area can now download and print the poster below. The posters can be used in those areas where, although it is legal to trap, there may be a chance that non trappers may frequent from time to time to walk their pets. The poster is in PDF format and you will need Adobe Reader to open and print the poster. You can download Reader by clicking this link. Download Adobe Reader

 

 

Click Here To Download Poster

 

 

Fur Harvesters Auction Offers Online Account Access

Trappers who ship their fur with Fur Harvesters Auction can now check their accounts online. Shippers can view sales results, unsold fur, grades etc simply by logging into their account on the Fur Harvester's site. Shippers will need to register with their trapper/account number and address but once done it is instant access. Go to www.furharvesters.com to register.

 

Restraining Traps Certified for Raccoon

 

Canadian Trappers will have a couple of more options for this season in regards to available traps for raccoon. Two dog proof restraining traps, the Duffer's Dog Proof and the Lil' Griz Getter have both been approved and certified for use on the line for raccoon. They will give trappers some options on different types of sets and locations than would be possible with bodygrips. Provincial regulations must still be followed in regards to legal setting distances, however, they will be ideal for locations where trappers previously passed up setting bodygrips because of the risk of dogs running at large. The Duffer's and Lil' Griz are more money than 160s and 220s, they start at about $20 each depending on where they are purchased and may require a setting tool.

 

 

 

Trapping Stories & Articles

 

We like to keep things interesting here on the NBTFHF Website. Trappers love to hear and read about other trappers experiences out on the line. Whether its about your first season, favourite set, a funny experience, tips and tricks or any other trapping related subject, we'd love to put it on the site. No need to worry about spelling, punctuation or grammar, we can edit it and fix it up like you were the Teacher's Pet in English class. If you have a few pictures to go along with it, even better, send them along too.

 

Send your stories & articles to the NBTFHF Webmaster by Clicking here.

 


 

Fatal Coyote Attack In Nova Scotia

A 19-year-old folk singer from Toronto has died after being attacked by two coyotes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Taylor Josephine Stephanie Luciow, who went by the stage name Taylor Mitchell, died overnight at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. She had been on tour in the Maritimes.

Mitchell was hiking on the Skyline Trail when she was attacked Tuesday afternoon. She was taken to the hospital in Cheticamp, then airlifted to Halifax in critical condition.

Park officials said Mitchell was walking the trail alone. They said other hikers managed to scare off the coyotes and call 911.

An RCMP officer shot at one of the animals but couldn't find the body. Later Tuesday evening, park staff located another coyote and killed it. Derek Quann, the park's resource conservation manager, said he doesn't know whether it was one of the ones involved in the attack. He said there were no signs on the animal's body that it had been shot.

Quann said he believes there are five or six coyotes in the area. Park staff were still trying to track down the other coyote involved in the attack Wednesday.

"One of the individuals may be dead now and may have gone off into the woods and died after some distance," said Quann.

Germaine LeMoine, a Parks Canada spokeswoman, said the hunt for the second coyote would go "around the clock." The trail where the attack happened has been barricaded.

LeMoine said even if a second animal is found and killed, the trail would not be opened until officials could conclude they had both coyotes involved in the attack and the trail was safe for the public.

 

 

The NBTFHF with funding from the NB Wildlife Trust Fund is carrying out a Marten Nesting Box project in New Brunswick forests. NB Trappers are placing the nest box in areas that Marten inhabit but may not have many suitable nesting locations. It is hoped that with the aid of the nest boxes, Marten will remain in the area and use the boxes for nesting locations, enhancing a healthy population of Marten in the province. Click here to read more on the Marten Nesting Box Project.

 

Black Bears Raising Concern

 

 

Black Bear sightings in urban areas in New Brunswick are raising some concern from residents not used to seeing them so close. Increased sightings are occurring in many parts of the province but seem to be most common in the Fredericton and Saint John areas.

 

Department of Natural Resources personnel have placed live traps in a number of locations in hopes of trapping and relocating the offending bears to a more remote location. However, competing with compost, household garbage and dumpsters is making it difficult to lure the bears into the live traps.

 

 Part of the problem seems to be an increase in population due to less hunting pressure. The downturn in the North American economy and the higher Canadian Dollar means fewer non resident hunters are visiting the province to hunt, allowing the population to increase rapidly.

 

 

European Union Votes To Ban Seal Products

 

HARPER GOVERNMENT WILL DEFEND CANADA’S
HUMANE AND SUSTAINABLE SEAL HUNT ON THE WORLD STAGE

OTTAWA – The Government of Canada today expressed its deep disappointment, concern, and opposition to the vote by the European Parliament to move towards a ban on products from Canada’s humane and sustainable seal hunt.

“The decision by the European Parliament lacks any basis in facts,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “The Canadian seal hunt is guided by rigorous animal welfare principles which are internationally recognized by independent observers. I once again caution my European counterparts about the dangers of pursuing politically motivated bans on other countries’ traditional industries. Our government will stand up for the jobs and communities that depend on the seal hunt.”

“If the EU imposes a trade ban on seal products it must contain an exemption for any country, like Canada, that has strict guidelines in place for humane and sustainable sealing practices," said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. "If there is no such acceptable exemption, Canada will challenge the ban at the World Trade Organization (WTO).”

The Government of Canada is studying the exact wording of the proposed regulation and will take appropriate action to protect the Canada’s sealing industry and continue to defend the interests of Canadian sealers. It will also continue to work with provincial, territorial and industry partners to maintain access to other markets for seal products and to identify and build new markets.

“A European ban would have a devastating impact on thousands of Canadian families in remote coastal communities who rely on the seal hunt for 25 to 35 per cent of their annual income,” added Minister Shea. “In these difficult economic times the impact of such a loss is even more serious and many families will have to make tough decisions about their future if access to the European market is lost.”

The European Parliament’s proposed ban cannot become law until it has been adopted by the Council of the European Union, which represents the member states. Ministers Shea and Day announced that the Government of Canada will continue to aggressively counter the misinformation campaign being waged by professional anti-seal hunt lobby groups in order to ensure that the decision of the Council would be based on accurate information.

 

Have you renewed your membership yet?

 

A reminder that NBTFHF Memberships expire on the 31st of January each year. If you haven't renewed your membership, you will not receive the magazine associated with your membership until it is renewed.

 

Not a Member Yet?

 

The New Brunswick Trappers & Fur Harvesters work both on the frontline and behind the scenes to enhance, improve and preserve trapping and fur harvesting for New Brunswick Trappers. Do your part and support the NBTFHF by purchasing your membership today. For details on joining, renewing and the benefits of doing so, go to our Membership Page by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy talking trapping with other trappers?

Why not check out the Canadian Trapper Talk Forums! Over 700 trappers from all across Canada, the USA and around the world are already members and visit the site regularly. Pick up some tips & tricks, new sets, fur handling methods or just shoot the breeze. Besides the the forums/message boards, the site also features a chat room where you can chat live with other trappers. Click on the logo above to visit the site.

Fur Pick Up Dates for 2011 - 2012 Season

 

Fur Harvesters Auction

Agent - John Richard's Schedule

 

North American Fur Auctions

Agent - Furafee Trading Schedule

 

 

Did you know the November Full Moon is called "Beaver Moon"?


 Watch the video from Farmers Almanac and see why!

 

Alberta Trapper Survives 4 Days In Woods Pinned Under ATV

An Alberta man who spent four days trapped beneath his all-terrain vehicle in the woods as coyotes circled nearby says he had to go into "survival mode" to make it out alive.

On Jan. 8, Ken Hildebrand of Fort McMurray was collecting animal traps near Livingston Gap, a rural area about 130 kilometres southwest of Calgary, when his ATV rolled over and pinned his leg.

That's where he would remain for the next three nights -- 96 hours in all. He had food, water, and even a first aid kit, but all of them were out of the trapped man's reach.

"I had everything I needed, but I just couldn't get to it," said the 55-year-old college instructor and part-time paramedic.

Making matters worse, a pack of coyotes were just metres away, ready to pounce at Hildebrand and the beaver meat that was rotting next to him.

The only thing keeping them from attacking was a whistle he blew constantly.

But Hildebrand -- who teaches wilderness first aid -- wasn't just concerned about the wild animals. He also had to face Alberta's winter temperatures, which dropped to -17 C overnight.

He knew that heat loss was a major concern, and the clothing he had on wouldn't be enough. Having just collected animal traps, Hildebrand used a dead beaver to keep himself warm.

"I skinned part of (the beaver) and laid it down beneath my groin and my stomach," he told CTV Calgary.

"That's because you lose 30 per cent of the body's heat from your groin area, and you lose about 60 per cent from your head."

The animal meat he had was rotting, but with no other food, Hildebrand couldn't be picky. It made him sick, but he ate the decaying meat in his struggle to survive.

Hildebrand says he had to be inventive. With no water around, he used his knife to dig the frost from the earth around him. He ate the dirt, just to get moisture. He also used surveyor's tape to retrieve some dew.

When he didn't show up to work, his coworkers started a search. Just when he thought he would die out in the wild, Hildebrand was found by a hiker walking his dog.

Hildebrand's wife and daughter were in B.C. when he went missing. They didn't even know he was in trouble until they got the news of his rescue. He was taken to hospital suffering from injuries to his leg, hypothermia, frostbite, and dehydration. The injuries aren't life threatening, but he's already had several operations to treat the frostbite and injuries to his legs.

Hildebrand, who already has a weak leg due to polio, may still need to have his foot amputated.
With files from the Associated Press and a report by CTV Calgary's Terry Vogt

 

Skunk Odour Removal Solution

Getting the smell of skunk off your dog or even yourself can be  very difficult. Fortunately, there is a solution that works very well and can me made with ingredients found right in your home. The ingredients are:

1 Litre of Hydrogen Peroxide

1 Cup Baking Soda

1 Tablespoon of Liquid Dish Soap

 

Mix the ingredients well and apply with a sponge or cloth making sure to keep it out of the eye area. The mixture has proven to work very well. Trappers on the NB Wildlife Rabies Control Program have used it many times to remove skunk odour successfully. It was also tested on an episode of MythBusters and found to out perform all commercial products they tested.

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