Conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this study estimates the number of trapper licenses sold and the numbers of animals trapped during the 2004-2005 season. The sales value of the fur from trapped and hunted animals was down 28% compared with the previous season.

For the 2004-2005 trapping season, there were 5,588 resident regular trappers, 680 resident junior trappers, and 3 nonresident trappers surveyed. Of the license holders surveyed, 82% trapped during the season and 18% did not.

In total, 6,271 trapper licenses were sold during the season and the total number of registered animals killed included 3,450 otters, 631 bobcats, 2,552 fishers, and 3,241 martens.

A second survey was conducted among fur buyers was and showed that the total estimated value of the fur “harvest” to hunters and trappers during the season, based on all furs purchased, was $980,790. This represented a decrease of 28% from the previous season.