Montana's Fur-Bearing Animals 



Fur-bearing animals of Montana have provided a substantial cash 

 crop since white man first came into the state. In fact it was the lure 

 of beaver pelts that stimulated much of the early exploration, and fur 

 was for many years a common medium of exchange. Trapping today 

 is carried on primarily as part-time activity of ranch boys, timber 

 workers or others whose nxain occupation gives them free time in 

 the winter. During the 1951 season 1,350 trapper's licenses were issued. 



In the 1950-51 season 79,092 pelts were taken by licensed trappers, 

 and these pelts had a cash value of $477,000. 



Beaver, which may be legally harvested only in cases where 

 damage can be shown, were trooped on the land of complaining land- 

 owners. There is a v^^^d^^rte heed for laws which will provide 

 for better management'^^^^a ver in this state. Each year many 

 thousands of dollars are log<^ro Montana trappers because trapping is 

 limited to nuisance beaver. BjP^Etically all of the state is now well 

 stocked with th'is-.species but mG^miikjijM-^Xi^'''S^. QiSg^eing utilized be- 

 cause of legal restiMti«ris.4^/J\v'-...^!^^!^«iij:i^. 



It is believedS^hat fifa:.-can be made an even greater business in 

 this state if more effortis diFected toward a comprehensive manage- 

 ment plan. Toward this end a new fur resources project has been 

 initiated by the Department. Sportsmen and trappers should see direct 

 benefits from a better program of fur bearer management. 



Some fur-bearing animals such as beaver affect the habitat of 

 game animals and fish. Others may prey on game animals while still 

 others may act as controls to undesirable species. A balanced pro- 

 gram based on biological facts will be tempered to all wildlife species 

 and Montana's economy in general. 



ANNUAL YIELD AND VALUE OF 1950-51 FUR CATCH 



Species No. Pelts 



Muskrat 53,248 



Beaver 12,522 



Mink 8,590 



Marten 1,462 



Weasel 1,632 



Bobcat 461 



Coyote 147 



Skunk 772 



Raccoon 195 



Badger 40 



Fox 21 



Lynx 2 



TOTALS 79,092 $477,000 



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