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CURRENT NEWS |
6/15/09 UPDATE:Mass. Trapper Association Objective: Change current MA fisher trapping season from 11/1- 11/22 to 12/11 to 1/1.
I Pelt quality
II NAFA and FHA III Data charts
I Currently fisher trapped in MA between 11/1 and 11/22 are not full prime. Also the pelts exhibit varying degrees of damage by ticks. Consequently MA fisher pelts are less valuable in the fur market place than pelts harvested in neighboring States II We have spoken to the following furs buyers from throughout New
England. These buyers represent North American Fur Harvesters(NAFA) http://www.nafa.ca and Fur Harvesters of America(FHA)http://www.furharvesters.com/. Following are their statements via phone conversations conducted by Don Heenan: Ernest Mosher, NY 315-823-4270 (NAFA) -referred me Manitoba and Alberta Trappers Association -said fur probably would be better later in season; recommends 11/15 opening -considered trapping in MA Bill Thompson, ME 207 431 3158 (NAFA) -said MA fisher poor in quality, handles many of them -NH has the best -recommends December season Bill Bailey NH 603 796 2758 (FHA) -handles many MA fisher -poor quality in MA -NH has best fisher Dwight Pernells NH 603-539-7954 (NAFA) -many ticks that ruin fur in MA -30-40% are blue -distemper in NY and spreading east -doesn't buy MA fisher Toby Edwards NY 518-863-6716 (FHA) -ticks a big problem in MA and CT -ticks a small problem in NH and VT because of later trapping season -suggested later season in MA -can see through pelts with tick damage -MA pelts are down graded due to ticks and not prime temperature, mean, in degrees fahrenheit October November December January Average Saranac Lake, New York 44 34 18 14 27.5 Worcester, Massachusetts 50 38 27 24 34.75 Bethel, Maine 47 36 24 17 31 Greenwich, Connecticut 54 44 32 27 39.25 Burlington, Vermont 48 37 24 16 31.25 Lincoln, New Hampshire 45 35 21 16 29.25 Fisher seasons New York 10/25 to 1/10 77 days Massachusetts 11/1 to 11/2 21 days Maine 11/2 to 12/1 23 days Connecticut 11/8 to 11/30 23 days Vermont 12/1 to 12/31 30 days New Hampshire 12/1 to 12/31 30 days Day light, hr. and mins. 16th of month October November December January New York 10:57:00 9:34:00 8:52:00 9:15:00 Massachusetts 11:02:00 9:45:00 9:06:00 9:29:00 Maine 10:57:00 9:34:00 8:51:00 9:16:00 Connecticut 11:04:00 9:49:00 9:12:00 9:34:00 Vermont 10:57:00 9:33:00 9:12:00 9:34:00 New Hampshire 10:58:00 9:36:00 8:54:00 9:18:00 In conclusion the data supports our opinion, and the opinions of many MA trappers, that a fisher season of the same length as the present one but pushed back to 12/11 to 1/1 will result in a fisher pelt that is fully prime, exhibiting less damage and more valuable to the trapper. An added benefit would be more interest in trapping, in general, in our State. Respectfully compiled and submitted by, Don Heenan and Eddie Brunton, MA trapping partners donheenan@gmail.com eddiebrunton@gmail.com
3/22/09 UPDATE:Meeting opened 10:30 AM Committee for Responsible Wildlife Management Malcolm, Worcester County Municipal Association support John B. spoke on how important Herb website is, info, get involved
Booklets cost about $8 each all donated. Malcolm: BOA/NTA Connecticut bill bans trapping "Great Horned Owl with foothold" Malcolm NTA Info Fur Bearers Unlimited Do we want to do fundraiser "gun" and sell tickets? Pred Hawkeye gun Make sure only 200 tickets sold Caliber gun? Malcolm will talk to Cindy on caliber NTA looking for donation for sweepstakes - no for now Cities tags do away 2010 National Fisheries and Wildlife Corrospondence Set date for fall outing - September 13th at Auburn 50-50 raffle - Herb won Motion to adjourn 11:40, accepted Next meeting in June.
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