Trapper Harvest Survey And Furbuyer Survey (Minnesota)
Conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this study estimates the usage of trapper licenses and numbers of animals trapped during the 2007-2008 season. In total, there were 7,167 trapper licenses sold during the season.
For the 2007-2008 trapping season, there were 5,756 resident regular trappers, 589 resident junior trappers, 786 resident senior trappers, 33 lifetime trappers, and 3 nonresident trappers surveyed. Of the license holders surveyed, 77% trapped during the season while 23% did not.
In total, 7,167 trapper licenses were sold during the season and total registered number of animals killed included 1,861 otters, 702 bobcats, 1,682 fishers, and 2,221 martens.
In addition, a survey of fur buyers was conducted and showed that the total estimated value of furbearer animals killed by hunters and trappers during the season, based on all furs purchased, was $944,859, a decrease of 47% from the previous season.