the research results on which progressive management is based 

 become available. 



MINK 



Previous to the 1953-54 season, muskrats received the heaviest 

 trapping pressure. Because of a marked decline in prices for muskrats 

 dui'ing the 1953-54 season, many trappers trapped fewer or no 

 muskrats at all and expended greater effort in taking mink. As a 

 result, the muskrat catch dropped 39 per cent while the increased 

 pressure on mink caused the take to rise 37 per cent. 



This situation had been anticipated and accordingly, an age 

 and sex ratio study of the mink take was begun in July, 1953. 

 Inasmuch as the size of the annual mink take is influenced by market 

 and weather conditions as well as by population levels, information 

 based on biological indicators was needed by supplement catch records 

 as a measure of population status. 



Nearly 1,000 mink carcasses representing approximately 15 per 

 cent of the 1953-54 mink take were collected from trappers through- 

 out the state. Analysis of this material is still progressing and will 

 soon provide factual information to guide the establishment of trap- 

 ping seasons in accordance with the status of mink populations. 



MARTEN 



One of the greatest opportunities for increased production of 

 furs is presented by restoration and proper management of Montana's 

 marten populations. It is felt that the state's potential production of 



Live-traps hidden in the ends oi fallen logs, 

 chopped out of rotten snags or concealed in 

 various other places known to be frequented 

 by marten are used to capture this fur- 

 bearer. Trussed up flexible Twire cones 

 (right) they are ear-tagged, weighed, aged, 

 sexed and examined as to reproductive ability 

 as part of a continuing study. 



— 37 



