Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6343687
10/09/18 12:19 AM
10/09/18 12:19 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25,413 williams,mn
trapper les
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Posts: 25,413
williams,mn
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Erb is out of touch, and temporarily forgot the cyclic nature of predators and prey.
Seems to be a lot of mink around, and you can see a rat about anywhere despite the drought we had. They are flipping on every water way.
"Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not."
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: yukonal]
#6343735
10/09/18 05:56 AM
10/09/18 05:56 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,884 Mn
nightlife
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Mn
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A bunch of ponds and ditches that I normally trap in Sherburne County are dry. Haven't seen a rat house in the last 2 years. Lots of water here but not many rat huts this year but there seems to be an abundance of mink have seen a good doz or so cross the road and stopped counting at 50 the ones that did not make it across Up untill last year there were a good number of huts everywhere but this year there are only a handful
�Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks.� ― Robert A. Heinlein
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6343767
10/09/18 07:16 AM
10/09/18 07:16 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,324 Northern MN
Osky
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Northern MN
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By visual survey only this summer I believe mink are up in my area, otter and rats may be down a bit.
Osky
"A womans heart is the hardest rock the Almighty has put on this earth, and I can find no sign on it" Jabless in Minnesota www.SureDockusa.com
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6343809
10/09/18 08:39 AM
10/09/18 08:39 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25,413 williams,mn
trapper les
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williams,mn
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It's actually been dry here all summer, but every time I stand still at a beaver control job, I'll see a swimming rat. For years we hardly had a rat very far from the lake.
"Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not."
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6343818
10/09/18 08:50 AM
10/09/18 08:50 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,557 Slaughter Slough, MN
Dead Coyote
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Slaughter Slough, MN
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Around SW MN, we had so much rain and flooding this Spring and Summer. Skrat numbers are way down. With the 4" of rain the past couple of days, it won't get any better either. Skrats don't like rising and falling water level's period. The marsh's around here had three big Douches of water come thru them in the last 6 month's. A lot of Mink and Skrats died with their young. While trying to shoot some carp this spring, I seen numerous dead Skrats and a couple of Mink. What else could kill water dwellers and not eat them. Floods don't mix well with any critter.
Live everyday like it is the last day of your life! MJPPTA 1%
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6343821
10/09/18 08:56 AM
10/09/18 08:56 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,880 MN
160user
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If we get any more rain here I will need to start exploring coyote and fox floaters.
I have nothing clever to put here.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6343886
10/09/18 10:10 AM
10/09/18 10:10 AM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,905 Central MN, sort of old
MnMan
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Rats seem to be down in my small area and have been for the last two years..... mink as well. Otter populations seem to be up, though.
I'm just happy to be here! Today I'm as young as I'll ever be and and older than I've ever been before!
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6343911
10/09/18 10:58 AM
10/09/18 10:58 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
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From what I'm seeing around here Is that the rats have been flooded out of their normal haunts and are building In these shallow water ponds. When the water goes down and It freezes up they are going to be In world of hurt.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6344024
10/09/18 02:26 PM
10/09/18 02:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
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It's In the plans. colony traps In the runs. In and out In 2 days.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6344331
10/09/18 09:35 PM
10/09/18 09:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,519 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
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james bay frontierOnt.
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Seen marten and mink running here today when I went out in the bush.When you see animals running in the bush in daytime it usually means its going to be a good year.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6344340
10/09/18 09:42 PM
10/09/18 09:42 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4,051 WI
nimzy
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WI
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6344388
10/09/18 10:44 PM
10/09/18 10:44 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,964 South metro, MN
Calvin
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Les,...Interesting on the Mink as Erb said mink are down, particularly in the northern part of the state. Trapstickman Doesn't surprise me your seeing both higher otter and lower mink and rat populations. Otters eat em like popcorn I suspect. Also makes sense with you guys who live in stream country. The floods this year are never good for either rats or beaver. Nightlife.... Not sure what part of the state you're in, but they aren't even building here yet. Hopefully some get building for you soon. Nimzy, I see the MN DNR are now spraying wetlands in an attempt to control (or knock back) the narrow leafs. According to their reports, they are making progress. Not sure if it's just a drop in a bucket or not, but maybe a good start to controlling the narrow leaf. Any idea if WI is doing the same? Thanks for the replies, guys. I have more confidence in our own observations, personally.
Last edited by Calvin; 10/09/18 10:49 PM.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6344395
10/09/18 10:54 PM
10/09/18 10:54 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25,413 williams,mn
trapper les
trapper
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25,413
williams,mn
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In a dry year, mink just have more tick bites. For years we didn't seem to have any mink, Then a little rat boom happened and mink gathered in those places. Lake of the Woods has a huge watershed.
Does Erb actually know anything of the borderland part of the state ?
"Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not."
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6344521
10/10/18 07:03 AM
10/10/18 07:03 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4,051 WI
nimzy
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Nimzy, I see the MN DNR are now spraying wetlands in an attempt to control (or knock back) the narrow leafs. According to their reports, they are making progress. Not sure if it's just a drop in a bucket or not, but maybe a good start to controlling the narrow leaf. Any idea if WI is doing the same? .
Yes ironic isn’t it? I mean spraying a load of poisonous chemical into our cherished wetlands. Wonder if this has anything to do with your “decline”. Perhaps another thread I would be out of line to speak of MN. In my part of Wi muskrats were going quite well as of last season mink seem down tho. WI beaver numbers have turned artificial due our former fur czar/ trout enthusiast and WS
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6344602
10/10/18 09:24 AM
10/10/18 09:24 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,964 South metro, MN
Calvin
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Never know Nimzy (or at least I don't). Just a short article about it in the recent Outdoor news publications (first I heard of it). Can't say how poisonous it is. But I do know its happening in the "General area" that I trap some of my rats. I have not seen a decline in rats in those areas as of late. Actually an increase, but that's probably due to more water in areas that used to be dry.
Lets not even talk about the trout nuts and WS (Can O worms)...Grrrr
I don't have any idea what Erb knows...or doesn't Les. I sure didn't like his wording on his "fur report" in the Publication, though. Mink and muskrat numbers aren't doing well? Kind of makes it sound like they need additional protection to someone who doesn't know better.
Last edited by Calvin; 10/10/18 09:27 AM.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6344623
10/10/18 09:47 AM
10/10/18 09:47 AM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,137 sseMinnesota
blackhammer
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With an animal like mink. I really think about the only way a real population number has been formulated is through harvest numbers. And of course with low prices that isn’t an indication of populations right now. I think Erbs so called facts are nothing more than an personal opinion. In regards to his general philosophy about trapping and fur harvest I’m not sure if he means well or is of a mindset nobody should make money off animals other than the DNR? He does seem to be passionate about the registered fur bearers in the state,Marten Fisher,cats and otter and has some interesting information about them. Getting specific populations trends state wide on many of the species he claims are suffering low populations seems a bit far fetched
Ah,for the life of a millionaire,say some,but just let me stay a trapper. Bill Nelson
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: BernieB.]
#6344695
10/10/18 11:32 AM
10/10/18 11:32 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 15,725 MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
Trapper7
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Posts: 15,725
MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
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Rats have been down for many years but I have been seeing more the last couple years. Pretty wet late summer and fall around here which means there should be more rat huts in the marshes. That's what I'm seeing too on the rats. Mink seem to be holding their own. I like trapping mink so well, I just can't see killing them for such low prices.
The difference between animals and humans is that animals would never let the dumbest ones lead the pack.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6345055
10/10/18 09:30 PM
10/10/18 09:30 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,485 MN
Steven 49er
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If a person lives in an area where beaver numbers are down, it's not surprise. They don't get a break anymore. Everyone and their brother are trapping them all summer long. Market forces no longer dictate beaver populations.
There are those who fear nonresident trapping will harm beaver populations in this state, I fear APHIS and every tom dick and harry that is out trapping them all year long. May as well put them on the unprotected list with the coyotes.
"Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon". Milton Friedman.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Steven 49er]
#6345064
10/10/18 09:38 PM
10/10/18 09:38 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,137 sseMinnesota
blackhammer
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sseMinnesota
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If a person lives in an area where beaver numbers are down, it's not surprise. They don't get a break anymore. Everyone and their brother are trapping them all summer long. Market forces no longer dictate beaver populations.
There are those who fear nonresident trapping will harm beaver populations in this state, I fear APHIS and every tom dick and harry that is out trapping them all year long. May as well put them on the unprotected list with the coyotes. yes for an animal that back in the 70s had tags and a limit of ten and now kill them year round is ridiculous They provide excellent wildlife habitat and the DNR is too dam lazy to manage them properly
Ah,for the life of a millionaire,say some,but just let me stay a trapper. Bill Nelson
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: blackhammer]
#6345069
10/10/18 09:46 PM
10/10/18 09:46 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,485 MN
Steven 49er
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MN
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If a person lives in an area where beaver numbers are down, it's not surprise. They don't get a break anymore. Everyone and their brother are trapping them all summer long. Market forces no longer dictate beaver populations.
There are those who fear nonresident trapping will harm beaver populations in this state, I fear APHIS and every tom dick and harry that is out trapping them all year long. May as well put them on the unprotected list with the coyotes. yes for an animal that back in the 70s had tags and a limit of ten and now kill them year round is ridiculous They provide excellent wildlife habitat and the DNR is too dam lazy to manage them properly Don't forget about DU and it's relationship with the DNR controlling wild rice lakes. Yep, control the beaver, it's not like the beaver and wild rice haven't coexisted since the glaciers retreated.
"Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon". Milton Friedman.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6345568
10/11/18 06:31 PM
10/11/18 06:31 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,306 minnesota
goldy
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minnesota
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Rats should be building houses like crazy now. I've put on a lot of miles lately and I've seen almost zero activity. As far as mink, how would they know what the population is doing? If Erb is going by harvest numbers, of course the population is going to be down when few trappers are after them. Same with otter. When beaver and otter prices are down, otter harvest drops off dramatically. The DNR has no idea how many otter or mink we have in this state.
"They that can give up essential liberty to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety" Ben Franklin talking about guns
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6345579
10/11/18 07:00 PM
10/11/18 07:00 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,137 sseMinnesota
blackhammer
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Joined: Jun 2008
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sseMinnesota
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In this part of the state I’ve always said dry is better than wet for rats. Of course stable water levels is the optimum. Looking around this year after all our big rains it appears as usual I’m right In regards to Erb if he was conducting rat populations census right now by counting houses he could get an idea of a trend. His so called numbers were made up before rats started building. Last year according to many trappers rat numbers were ok in much of the state from what I gather. Goldy you sure are right how do you come up with mink numbers. Only guide you really have is harvest
Ah,for the life of a millionaire,say some,but just let me stay a trapper. Bill Nelson
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6345582
10/11/18 07:05 PM
10/11/18 07:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 11,204 Armpit, ak
Dirt
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Posts: 11,204
Armpit, ak
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I'm curious, do guys actually use any of this census information to make trapping decisions? If not what's the point?
Who is John Galt?
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Dirt]
#6345616
10/11/18 08:00 PM
10/11/18 08:00 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,964 South metro, MN
Calvin
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Posts: 5,964
South metro, MN
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I'm curious, do guys actually use any of this census information to make trapping decisions? If not what's the point? I quit sending in my annual MN DNR survey after they used it against us. Rats build at different times in this state. They almost never start here this early....and haven't thus far, locally.
Last edited by Calvin; 10/12/18 12:13 AM.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6345617
10/11/18 08:02 PM
10/11/18 08:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,137 sseMinnesota
blackhammer
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,137
sseMinnesota
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I think everyone has their own personal census The point ? justifies salaries for pencil pushers Too bad managing and limiting trappers is more important than managing the resource. Why are beaver which make wildlife habitat to the max killed for the sake of trout for instance. Money of course pretty hypocritical in my opinion. The amount of life a beaver pond generates is amazing. A fast running trout stream not so much. A happy medium would seem to make sense
Ah,for the life of a millionaire,say some,but just let me stay a trapper. Bill Nelson
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6345784
10/12/18 06:16 AM
10/12/18 06:16 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,485 MN
Steven 49er
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MN
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Steven, This may be the reason the DNR changed the Nuisance permit structure for beaver. Used to be our yearly nuisance permits covered Beaver. Now they do not. Permit holders are required to contact a C/O every time now for the taking of beaver out of season...and that C/O has to issue a separate permit. Can't say how often that rule is followed but that's the new rule. APHIS of course exempt (I really wish APHIS would learn how to trap every beaver in a colony...makes life real hard for those of us who have to follow up).
mnsota...That Cattail information I quoted was out of an "Outdoor News" publication 2 weeks ago (vol51 No39) on page 14. Calvin that is incorrect. It might have been the law but it isn't any more. Couple years ago it was changed to a landowner or an agent of the landowner doesnt need a permit. BTW how the heck you been buddy? You should come up and eat crayfish with us this weekend.
Last edited by Steven 49er; 10/12/18 06:17 AM.
"Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon". Milton Friedman.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Steven 49er]
#6345880
10/12/18 09:50 AM
10/12/18 09:50 AM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,905 Central MN, sort of old
MnMan
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,905
Central MN, sort of old
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Calvin that is incorrect. It might have been the law but it isn't any more. Couple years ago it was changed to a landowner or an agent of the landowner doesnt need a permit.
Steven, could you direct me to where this might be printed? I can't find anything in the regulations and in the weekly CO reports I regularly am seeing where beaver permits are being granted. I am an agent for a city where they hold a permit that was issued in 2016 but is open ended in that it has no expiration date on it. I have, however, talked to different landowners who have contacted the DNR about their beaver problems and they have told me that the DNR responded by saying to do whatever was necessary including shooting.
Last edited by MnMan; 10/12/18 09:53 AM.
I'm just happy to be here! Today I'm as young as I'll ever be and and older than I've ever been before!
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: MnMan]
#6345883
10/12/18 09:54 AM
10/12/18 09:54 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,880 MN
160user
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,880
MN
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Calvin that is incorrect. It might have been the law but it isn't any more. Couple years ago it was changed to a landowner or an agent of the landowner doesnt need a permit.
Steven, could you direct me to where this might be printed? I can't find anything in the regulations and in the weekly CO reports I regularly am seeing where beaver permits are being granted. I am an agent for a city where they hold a permit that was issued in 2016 but is open ended in that it has no expiration date on it. I have, however, talked to different landowners who have contacted the DNR about their beaver problems and they have told me that the DNR responded by saying to do whatever was necessary including shooting. I checked with my CO after reading this and he assured me that a permit is still required.
I have nothing clever to put here.
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Re: MN rat and mink numbers
[Re: Calvin]
#6345909
10/12/18 10:42 AM
10/12/18 10:42 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,964 South metro, MN
Calvin
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Posts: 5,964
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I have a permit that I renew with the DNR yearly that allows me to take many of the common (protected) nuisance animals out of season. I submit a yearly report of those animals taken. Beaver used to be on that list. About 2 years ago the DNR changed it across the board (best I can tell) to NOT include beaver. That is now a separate permit that must be issued by the C/O. That's, at least, how it works for me. I'd be interested to hear if it's different in your area if you hold this same permit.
Steven....I keep thinking I'll get up there. Sure want to. Just not happening again this year...Unfortunately.
Guessing you'll be out ice fishing and busting huts on top of the ice by rat opener at this rate.
Last edited by Calvin; 10/12/18 10:47 AM.
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