Hey folks,

I've been reading a few studies on marten density and was intrigued by various sources saying that marten have very low population density despite their small size. There was plenty of variation between these studies but, on average, their conclusions were about one marten per square kilometer. Does that line up with what y'all see on your traplines?

Along the same lines, I saw a recent article on trappingtoday where the author increased his catch rate from one marten per 150 trap-nights to one marten per 30 trap-nights. What is the average catch rate on your trapline?

Thanks!

Up here in central BC one marten per square kilometer, WITHIN SUITABLE HABITAT, is considered a good population. The important habitat factor is “coarse woody debris” (downed logs, stumps, snags, litter) along with relatively dense overhead coniferous tree cover and shrubs to provide protective cover for both marten and their primary prey.

It's easy to over harvest marten. The important factor(s) in catch rate are a harvest of 1.5 males or more per female indicates a safe harvest. But, when ratios are nearly one to one some over harvesting has most likely occurred. Your catch should also consist of 6 or more juveniles per adult female.

I make 6 sets a season on a typical season and I average 6 Marten a season on my Marten/Cat/Fox line. I could make more sets and catch more Marten but I want to keep a few around for next season .
Griz

They aren't thick here, I would say higher density than that in some areas, but most areas have zero density so it evens out to a lot less than that. I know some of the guys up in Alaska make checks where they catch 50 marten in a check. Not sure how many traps they have out though and how much ground they are covering. Those guys put out long lines with lots of traps and only check a few times and pull; still I have to figure they have lots higher densities.

Marten populations cycle and vary a lot depending on the food available when they are whelping and the weather in critical times of the year, though.

Griz,
Do you prebait your marten sets? If so, how early before season and with what types of baits? Thanks

No I do not, only thing I do is pre build my leaning poles.
Griz

Prebaiting marten is a waste of time and effort. Being an opportunistic hunter and SCAVENGER they repond to most any bait or lure. If they are in the general locality when you set they will find it.