Fur Trapper Survey 2007-2008 (Wisconsin)

This survey of Wisconsin residents with trapping and conservation patron licenses addresses trapping activities and results within the state for the 2007-2008 season. In general, trapping-related activities were less frequent than in the previous survey covering 2006-2007. Those with fur trapper license holders were twice as likely to trap as conservation patron license holders.

Trapping activity from the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 seasons showed a decline among both fur trapper license holders (86% to 74%) and conservation patron license holders (44% to 39%). During 2007-2008, trappers trapped an average of 27 days, compared with an average of 34 days during the previous season. Overall, 53% of respondents said they trapped during the 2007-2008 season.

Based on this survey sample, approximately 9,468 licensed trappers actively trapped and 3,840 trappers also hunted fur-bearers during the 2007-2008 season. Roughly 3% of licensed fur-bearer trappers pursued bobcat, while 62% pursued raccoons. The types of traps most frequently used include body grip (41.4%), foot hold (38.0%), cages (13.4%), cable restraints (4.9%), and snares (2.4%).

Specific data by region and by species of fur bearing animal trapped are included in the full report.