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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
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25,386
williams,mn
trapper les Offline
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trapper les  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25,386
williams,mn
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."
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6344521
10/10/18 07:03 AM
10/10/18 07:03 AM
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,970
WI
N
nimzy Online content
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nimzy  Online Content
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,970
WI
Originally Posted By: Calvin


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

Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6344602
10/10/18 09:24 AM
10/10/18 09:24 AM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,946
South metro, MN
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Calvin Offline OP
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Calvin  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2007
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South metro, MN
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.
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6344623
10/10/18 09:47 AM
10/10/18 09:47 AM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,121
sseMinnesota
blackhammer Offline
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blackhammer  Offline
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sseMinnesota
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
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6344691
10/10/18 11:28 AM
10/10/18 11:28 AM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 481
Northern MN
M
MN4Life Offline
trapper
MN4Life  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 481
Northern MN
I'm with Les on this one. I have seen mink and rats all summer doing my beaver control jobs. Huts are popping up here already. Rice was pretty good up here and I see rats swimming all the time. I just wonder if we will have open water when the season starts frown


2020-2021 Goals
57/75 Beaver
15/100 Muskrats
3/1 Fox
0/4 Otter
0/1 Bobcat
5/1 Coyote
0/1 Marten
1/3Mink




Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: BernieB.] #6344695
10/10/18 11:32 AM
10/10/18 11:32 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 15,586
MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
T
Trapper7 Offline
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Trapper7  Offline
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Posts: 15,586
MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
Originally Posted By: BernieB.
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.


I don't care how nice the hand soap smells, you should never walk out of the restroom sniffing your fingers.
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345050
10/10/18 09:23 PM
10/10/18 09:23 PM
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 256
MN
SwampRat83 Offline
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SwampRat83  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 256
MN
Ive noticed south of the metro im seeing less rats, but western suburbs and further west im seeing more than usual.

Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345055
10/10/18 09:30 PM
10/10/18 09:30 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,421
mn north of blakely
S
Steven 49er Offline
trapper
Steven 49er  Offline
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,421
mn north of blakely
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.
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345063
10/10/18 09:38 PM
10/10/18 09:38 PM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,897
minnesota
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mnsota Offline
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minnesota
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?


Calvin,..do you have a link to the DNR attempts at this?

Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Steven 49er] #6345064
10/10/18 09:38 PM
10/10/18 09:38 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,121
sseMinnesota
blackhammer Offline
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blackhammer  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,121
sseMinnesota
Originally Posted By: Steven 49er
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
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345065
10/10/18 09:40 PM
10/10/18 09:40 PM
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 256
MN
SwampRat83 Offline
trapper
SwampRat83  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 256
MN
You are spot on blackhammer and steve.

Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: blackhammer] #6345069
10/10/18 09:46 PM
10/10/18 09:46 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,421
mn north of blakely
S
Steven 49er Offline
trapper
Steven 49er  Offline
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,421
mn north of blakely
Originally Posted By: blackhammer
Originally Posted By: Steven 49er
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.
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345070
10/10/18 09:48 PM
10/10/18 09:48 PM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,897
minnesota
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mnsota Offline
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mnsota  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2009
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minnesota
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.



Excellent post!

Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345283
10/11/18 08:54 AM
10/11/18 08:54 AM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,946
South metro, MN
C
Calvin Offline OP
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Calvin  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,946
South metro, MN
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.

Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345519
10/11/18 04:53 PM
10/11/18 04:53 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
minnesota
B
beaverwarrior Offline
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
minnesota
Mink and rat numbers appeared to be way down here in southern Minnesota. The constant flooding has probably been detrimental to reproduction success. Never thought too much water would be a bad thing for rats, but it looks like that's the culprit.

Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345568
10/11/18 06:31 PM
10/11/18 06:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,301
minnesota
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goldy Offline
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goldy  Offline
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minnesota
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
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345579
10/11/18 07:00 PM
10/11/18 07:00 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,121
sseMinnesota
blackhammer Offline
trapper
blackhammer  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,121
sseMinnesota
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
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345582
10/11/18 07:05 PM
10/11/18 07:05 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 11,135
Armpit, ak
D
Dirt Offline
trapper
Dirt  Offline
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Armpit, ak
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?
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Dirt] #6345616
10/11/18 08:00 PM
10/11/18 08:00 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,946
South metro, MN
C
Calvin Offline OP
trapper
Calvin  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,946
South metro, MN
Originally Posted By: Dirt
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.
Re: MN rat and mink numbers [Re: Calvin] #6345617
10/11/18 08:02 PM
10/11/18 08:02 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,121
sseMinnesota
blackhammer Offline
trapper
blackhammer  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,121
sseMinnesota
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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