Oregon Furbearer Program Report: 2010-2011
This report details historical data on the trapping and hunting for “furbearers” in Oregon, in some cases dating back to 1941, separated out by species. The report covers the following species: badgers, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, gray fox, marten, mink, muskrats, nutria, opossum, raccoons, red fox, river otters, spotted skunks, striped skunks, weasels (short-tailed and long-tailed), fishers, kit fox, ringtails, sea otters, and wolverines.
Report Introduction:
“The purpose of this report is to provide information not only to trappers and hunters, but to all interested in furbearer management in Oregon. This report contains harvest management information, current and recent research and management projects, and monitoring efforts throughout the state, and primarily with ODFW partners.”
“In an ecological sense, the term furbearer has a somewhat nebulous definition. In practice, this term is commonly meant to describe any mammal that has a pelt with economic value, and generally refers to mesomammals. In a legal sense, there are often additional classifications and distinctions, or simply species lists, as described below.
By Oregon Administrative Rule (Division 45), adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, furbearers in the state are currently listed as beavers, bobcats, fishers, marten, mink, muskrats, (river) otters, raccoons, red fox, and gray fox. Unprotected mammals (i.e., those for which there are no closed seasons or bag limits) relevant to this report include badgers, coyotes, nutria, opossums, spotted skunks, striped skunks, and weasels. Oregon Revised Statute 610.002, adopted by the Oregon Legislature, describes predatory animals (relevant to this report) as coyotes and rodents (e.g., beavers, nutria, muskrats) and allows for landowners to implement certain wildlife control practices on privately owned lands.”
“For the purposes of this report, furbearers will include 17 species that may be trapped and hunted: badgers, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, gray fox, marten, mink, muskrats, nutria, opossum, raccoons, red fox, river otters, spotted skunks, striped skunks, and weasels (short-tailed and long-tailed). In addition, this report includes 5 species for which harvest is prohibited in Oregon, but may be considered furbearers in the general sense: fishers, kit fox, ringtails, sea otters, and wolverines.”