![Page 1: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Federal Aid ProjectNumber W-112-R-20Job Number 101.2Wildlife Restoration
Oct. 1, 2010-Sept. 30, 2011
Marc Miller, DirectorIllinois Department of Natural
Resources
Paul VehlowFederal Aid Coordinator
John E. BuhnerkempeChief, Division of Wildlife
Resources
Craig A. Miller, Ph.D.Program Leader and Principal InvestigatorHuman Dimensions Research ProgramIllinois Natural History Survey
Prepared byMark G. Alessi,
Linda K. Campbell, and Craig A. Miller, Ph.D.
Results of the 2010-2011 Illinois Trapper Survey
INHS Technical Report 2011 (33)September 9, 2011
HumanDimensionsR e s e a r c h P r o g r a m
Illinois Natural History SurveyPrairie Research InstituteUniversity of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign
![Page 2: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Suggested Citation:
Alessi, M.G., L.K. Campbell, and C.A. Miller. 2011. Results of the 2010-2011 Illinois Trapper Survey. Job Completion
Report, Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-112-R-20. Human Dimensions Research Program Report HR-11-02/INHS
Technical Report 2011 (33). Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL. 57pp.
![Page 3: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
TABLES, FIGURES AND APPENDICES
Page
Table 1 ...................... Participation and harvest by fur trappers in Illinois, 2010-2011 season .......................................................................... 8
Table 2 ...................... Distribution of reported furbearer harvest among successful trappers in Illinois .......................................................... 9
Table 3 ..................... Summary of statewide data from post-season mail survey of resident trappers in Illinois ............................................ 10
Table 4 ..................... Muskrat WMUa ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 5 ..................... Mink WMU ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Table 6 ..................... Raccoon WMU .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Table 7 ..................... Opossum WMU ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Table 8 ...................... Red fox WMU ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 9 ...................... Gray fox WMU .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 10 .................... Beaver WMU ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Table 11 .................... Skunk WMU ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Table 12 ................... Weasel WMU ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Table 13 .................... Coyote WMU ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Table 14 .................... Badger WMU ...................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Table 15 .................... Muskrat FMZb .................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Table 16 .................... Mink FMZ ........................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Table 17 .................... Raccoon FMZ ...................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Table 18 .................... Opossum FMZ ..................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Table 19 .................... Red fox FMZ ....................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Table 20 .................... Gray fox FMZ ..................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Table 21 .................... Beaver FMZ ......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Table 22 .................... Skunk FMZ .......................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Table 23 .................... Weasel FMZ ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Table 24 .................... Coyote FMZ......................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Table 25 .................... Badger FMZ ........................................................................................................................................................................ 32
Table 26 .................... Number of pelts sold by successful trappers, 2010-2011 season ....................................................................................... 33
Table 27 .................... Estimated statewide harvest by resident Illinois trappers ................................................................................................ 34
Table 28 .................... Summary of fur hunting activities reported by trappers in Illinois ................................................................................. 35
Table 29 .................... Reported sightings and sign of river otter and bobcat during the 2010-2011 season ...................................................... 36
Table 30 .................... Distribution of active trappers by county trapped most in Illinois, 2010-2011 .............................................................. 37
Figure 1 .................... Trapping activity reported by respondents to the 2010-2011 Illinois Trapper Survey ................................................... 38
Figure 2 .................... Distribution of days of trapping by active trappers in Illinois ......................................................................................... 39
Figure 3 .................... Distribution of the number of muskrats trapped per successful muskrat trapper in Illinois ......................................... 40
Figure 4 .................... Distribution of the number of raccoons trapped per successful raccoon trapper in Illinois ........................................... 41
Figure 5 .................... Percent change in number of successful trappers and harvest by species ....................................................................... 42
Figure 6 .................... Illinois counties in which trappers reported observing otters or their sign .................................................................... 43
Figure 7 .................... Illinois counties in which trappers reported observing bobcats or their sign ................................................................. 44
Figure 8 .................... Age distribution of Illinois trappers ................................................................................................................................... 45
Appendix A .............. Illinois Trapper Survey: 2010 - 2011 Season ..................................................................................................................... 46
Appendix B .............. Cover letter sent with first mailing of the 2010-2011 Trapper Survey ............................................................................. 53
Appendix C .............. Thank you/reminder postcard sent as follow-up to the mailings ...................................................................................... 54
Appendix D .............. Cover letter sent with second mailing of the 2010-2011 Trapper Survey ........................................................................ 55
Appendix E .............. 2010-2011 Furbearer season dates and limits information ............................................................................................. 56
Appendix F ............... Wildlife management units and furbearer management zones in Illinois ........................................................................ 57
a WMU = Wildlife Management Unit b FMZ = Furbearer Management Zones
![Page 4: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
RESULTS OF THE
2010-2011 ILLINOIS TRAPPER SURVEY
JOB COMPLETION REPORT
WILDLIFE HARVEST AND
HUMAN DIMENSIONS RESEARCH PROGRAM
STATE OF ILLINOIS
PROJECT NUMBER: W-112-R-20
STUDY 101
JOB NO. 101.2
Prepared by
Mark G. Alessi, Linda K. Campbell, and Craig A. Miller, Ph.D.
Illinois Natural History Survey
Champaign, IL
September 9, 2011
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
W-112-R-20
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Marc Miller, Director John E. Buhnerkempe, Chief
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Resources
Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to
all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion, or other non-merit
factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source’s civil
rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural Resources
Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271; 217/785-0067; TTY 217/782-9175.
![Page 5: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
2
ABSTRACT
A random sample of 1,200 persons who purchased a 2010 resident Illinois trapping
license was generated from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources licensing database.
Licensees were mailed a 4-page questionnaire, and we received 767 (66%) questionnaires.
Trapping license sales increased 12% from 2009 (3,751 licenses) to 2010 (4,202 licenses).
Trappers set an average of 23 traps for an average of 27.8 days or nights during the 2010-2011
season, and they harvested an estimated 198,653 furbearers (up 69% from the 117,597 harvested
in 2009-2010). An estimated 88,233 raccoons (Procyon lotor) were trapped by trappers during
the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped
during the 2009-2010 season. Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) harvest was the next highest at
63,257 muskrats trapped (98% increase from previous year). Twenty-one percent of trappers
had taken the trapper’s education course, and 53% of trappers introduced at least one person to
trapping in the past five years. Sightings of North American river otter (Lontra Canadensis) and
bobcat (Lynx rufus) by trappers, and harvest of furbearers by hunting, were also documented.
OBJECTIVE
To survey furbearer (11 species of mammals) trappers annually to determine their
activities, harvests, characteristics, and opinions in Illinois.
METHODS
A random sample of 1,200 resident Illinois trappers who purchased a trapper license
(2010-2011) was selected from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) license
sales database. Each trapper was mailed a 4-page questionnaire (Appendix A), cover letter
![Page 6: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
3
(Appendix B), and a postage-paid return envelope on 28 March 2011. Nonrespondents were
mailed a thank you/reminder postcard (Appendix C) on 13 April 2011. Remaining
nonrespondents were mailed a second questionnaire and cover letter (Appendix D) on 4 May
2011. Trappers who did not respond to the previous mailings were mailed a second thank
you/reminder postcard on 23 May 2011. The initial sample of 1,200 licenses was reduced to
1,163 due to undeliverable addresses. Season date information can be located in Appendix E.
RESULTS
A total of 767 (66%) license purchasers responded to the survey. Of these, 758 were
considered usable samples. Using procedures adopted by Anderson and Campbell (1992), we
calculated trapper participation and harvest for all furbearer species in Illinois (Tables 1-28).
The results were organized by wildlife management units (WMUs, Appendix F), furbearer
management zones, and statewide for presentation.
Trapper Participation
Of the 758 license purchasers in our sample, 570 (75%) set traps for furbearers in Illinois
during the 2010-2011 season. Active trappers set an average of 23 traps for an average of 27.8
days or nights (Fig. 1). The maximum number of days a trapper could have trapped was 147;
only 25% set traps for > 30 days and 14% of trappers set traps for > 45 days (Fig. 2)
Participation during the 2010-2011 season was highest among raccoon (Procyon lotor)
trappers, estimated at 2,705 trappers statewide (Table 3); an increase of 34% from the 2009-2010
trapping season (Lischka et al. 2011). Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) trapping was second in
participation with 1,796 trappers, followed by opossum (Didelphis virginiana; 1,586 trappers),
![Page 7: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
4
beaver (Castor canadensis; 1,314 trappers), and mink (Neovison vison; 1,114 trappers). Badger
(Taxidea taxus; 44 trappers), gray fox (Urocyon cineroargenteus; 39 trappers), and weasel
(Mustela frenata and nivalis; 28 trappers) were the least often targeted species by trappers.
Harvest
An estimated 88,233 raccoons were trapped by trappers during the 2010-2011 Illinois
trapping season, which was an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the
2009-2010 season (Table 3). Muskrat harvest was the next highest at 63,257 muskrats trapped
(98% increase from previous year), followed by opossum (20,213; 42% increase from previous
year), beaver (11,238; 46% increase from previous year), coyote (6,193; 35% increase from
previous year), mink (155% increase from previous year), and striped skunk (3,981; 5% increase
from previous year). The number of muskrats harvested averaged 35.2 per trapper and ranged
from 1-539 (Fig. 3), and the number of raccoons harvested averaged 32.6 per trapper and ranged
from 1-331 (Fig. 4). Confidence intervals (95%) for trapper participation and harvest of each
species are presented in Table 3.
The total trapper harvest increased from 117,597 in 2009-2010 to 198,653 (Fig. 5).
Harvest and trapping effort for each species are reported by wildlife management unit and
furbearer management zones in Tables 4-25. The estimated number of pelts sold in 2010-2011 is
presented by species in Table 26. The trends in statewide harvests of furbearers for the previous
10 years can be located in Table 27.
![Page 8: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
5
Changes in Trapper Participation and Harvest
The number of Illinois residents participating in trapping increased 12% from 2009
(3,751 licenses) to 2010 (4,202 licenses). Average harvest per trapper increased for all species
except fox (red and gray), striped skunk, coyote, and badger. There were large increases in
season harvests for mink (155%), muskrat (98%), and raccoon (68%) from the previous year.
Total trapper harvest for all species combined increased 69% from 117,597 furbearers in 2009 to
198,653 furbearers in 2010.
Fur Hunting by Trappers
A total of 241 trappers (32% of licensees sampled) reported hunting furbearers with a gun
and/or dogs in 2010-2011 (Table 28), which equals an estimated 1,336 trappers who hunted
furbearers in 2010-2011. Their total harvest was estimated to be 27,720 furbearers or an average
of 20.7 furbearers per hunter. More trappers hunted raccoon and coyotes more than any other
species.
Observation of River Otters and Bobcats
North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) or their sign were reported by 203
trappers in 83 counties and 219 trappers in 87 counties, respectively (Table 29, Fig. 6). Bobcats
(Lynx rufus) or their sign were reported by 137 trappers in 63 counties and 144 trappers in 69
counties, respectively (Table 29, Fig. 7).
![Page 9: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
6
Trapper’s Course Information and Trapper Recruitment
Trappers were asked whether they have participated in the trapper’s education course;
21% of the trappers have taken the course. Thirty-nine percent (39%) of trappers took the course
because they were required to take it, 39% wanted to take the course, and 15% took the course
with someone less than 18 years of age. Fifty-three percent (53%) of trappers indicated that
within the past five years they have introduced an average of 3.3 (range: 1-200) people to
trapping. Trappers most often introduced a family member to trapping (34%), a friend (29%), or
a friend of a friend (6%).
General Information
During the 2010-2011 season, Illinois trappers averaged 45 years of age. The age
distribution of trappers is shown in Figure 8. The counties which reported the most active
trappers were LaSalle, Bureau, and Whiteside (Table 30). Only 13% of licensees have visited
the online trapper education course website at www.trappered.com.
![Page 10: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
7
REFERENCES
Anderson, W.L., and L.K. Campbell. 1992. Fur hunter/trapper survey, 1990-91. Illinois
Department of Conservation, Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Projects W-99-R-3 and
W-112-R-1, Study 1, Job 2, Job Completion Report, 71 pp.
Lischka, S.A., L.K. Campbell, and M.R. Spacapan. 2011. Results of the 2009-2010 Illinois
Trapper Survey. Job Completion Report, Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-112-R-
19. Wildlife Harvest and Human Dimensions Research Program Report HR-10-02/INHS
Technical Report 2011 (04). Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL. 37pp.
![Page 11: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
8
Table 1. Participation and harvest by fur trappers in Illinois, 2010-2011 season (n = 758).
Species
Number of
Reported
Successful Trappers
%
(total respondents)
Reported Harvest
by Successful
Trappers
Muskrat 324 42.7 11,410
Mink 201 26.5 825
Raccoon 488 64.4 15,915
Opossum 286 37.7 3,646
Red fox 72 9.5 153
Gray fox 7 0.9 7
Beaver 237 31.3 2,027
Striped skunk 150 19.8 718
Weasel 5 0.7 6
Coyote 156 20.6 1,117
Badger 8 1.1 8
![Page 12: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Table 2. Distribution of reported furbearer harvest among successful trappers in Illinois based on responses to the 2010-2011 Illinois
Trapper Survey.
Percentage of Trappers
Total
Season
Catch Muskrat Mink Raccoon Opossum
Red
Fox
Gray
fox Beaver
Striped
Skunk Weasel Coyote Badger
n= 324 201 488 286 72 7 237 150 5 156 8
1-5 25.0% 83.1% 26.6% 46.9% 94.4%
100.0%
59.1% 78.0%
100.0% 64.7% 100.0%
6-10 16.4 9.4 16.6 22.7 4.2 0.0 18.1 10.7 0.0 16.7 0.0
11-15 11.1 2.0 9.3 8.7 1.4 0.0 8.5 6.6 0.0 7.7 0.0
16-20 7.4 3.5 9.6 8.8 0.0 0.0 4.6 2.0 0.0 4.5 0.0
21-25 6.1 0.5 3.5 2.1 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.7 0.0 3.2 0.0
>25 34.0 1.5 34.4 10.8 0.0 0.0 7.2 2.0 0.0 3.2 0.0
9
![Page 13: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
10
Table 3. Summary of statewide data from post-season mail survey of resident trappers in Illinois, 2010-
2011 (n = 758), along with confidence intervals (95%) for estimated number of trappers, average season
harvest, and total trapper harvest.
Species
Estimated
Number of
Trappers
Percent of
Licensed
Trappers
Average
Season Catch
Estimated Total
Trapper Harvest
Estimated
Percent Sold
Estimated
Total Sold
Muskrat 1,796 ± 151 42.74 35.22 ± 6.27 63,257 ± 10,373 91.32 57,768
Mink 1,114 ± 135 26.51 4.10 ± 0.92 4,574 ± 966 89.94 4,114
Raccoon 2,705 ± 146 64.37 32.61 ± 4.52 88,233 ± 10,948 90.60 79,939
Opossum 1,586 ± 148 37.74 12.75 ± 2.43 20,213 ± 3,568 46.08 9,314
Red fox 399 ± 89 9.50 2.13 ± 0.44 848 ± 215 76.53 649
Gray fox 39 ± 29 0.93 1.00 ± 0.00 39 ± 25 100 39
Beaver 1,314 ± 142 31.27 8.55 ± 1.59 11,238 ± 2,011 83.23 9,353
Skunk 832 ± 122 19.80 4.79 ± 0.95 3,981 ± 816 38.43 1,530
Weasel 28 ± 25 0.67 1.20 ± 0.39 33 ± 25 33.33 11
Coyote 865 ± 123 20.59 7.16 ± 1.78 6,193 ± 1,474 66.79 4,136
Badger 44 ± 31 1.05 1.00 ± 0.00 44 ± 25 63.64 28
![Page 14: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Table 4. Summary of 2010 MUSKRAT trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois (n = 324).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 255 14.2 2.7 60.7 15,490 164.8
Northeast Moraine 133 7.4 1.6 32.3 4,297 51.9
Mississippi Border-North 94 5.2 1.2 26.8 2,528 32.2
Mississippi Border-South 150 8.3 1.1 37.9 5,672 41.5
Western Prairie/Forest 216 12.0 1.5 23.8 5,156 35.8
Central Sand Prairie 50 2.8 1.2 53.0 2,644 63.8
Grand Prairie 621 34.6 1.2 36.5 22,681 43.1
Southern Plain 216 12.0 0.9 19.2 4,147 17.5
Wabash Border 50 2.8 0.7 12.4 621 9.2
Shawnee Hills 11 0.6 0.2 2.0 22 0.4
Statewide 1,796 100.0 1.2 35.2 63,257 43.3
11
![Page 15: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Table 5. Summary of 2010 MINK trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois (n = 201).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 183 16.4 1.9 3.5 632 6.7
Northeast Moraine 78 7.0 0.9 3.4 261 3.2
Mississippi Border-North 61 5.5 0.8 2.6 161 2.0
Mississippi Border-South 67 6.0 0.5 6.7 444 3.2
Western Prairie/Forest 111 10.0 0.8 3.2 349 2.4
Central Sand Prairie 28 2.5 0.7 4.8 133 3.2
Grand Prairie 399 35.8 0.8 5.7 2,256 4.3
Southern Plain 155 13.9 0.7 2.1 322 1.4
Wabash Border 28 2.5 0.4 4.6 128 1.9
Shawnee Hills 6 0.5 0.1 1.0 6 0.1
Statewide 1,114 100.0 0.8 4.1 4,574 3.1
12
![Page 16: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Table 6. Summary of 2010 RACCOON trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois
(n = 488).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 344 12.7 3.7 37.4 12,845 136.7
Northeast Moraine 155 5.7 1.9 27.4 4,252 51.4
Mississippi Border-North 194 7.2 2.5 38.2 7,412 94.4
Mississippi Border-South 277 10.2 2.0 36.3 10,068 73.6
Western Prairie/Forest 283 10.5 2.0 35.5 10,024 69.5
Central Sand Prairie 83 3.1 2.0 29.2 2,428 58.6
Grand Prairie 887 32.8 1.7 27.8 24,632 46.8
Southern Plain 344 12.7 1.4 35.9 12,330 52.0
Wabash Border 94 3.5 1.4 28.1 2,644 39.2
Shawnee Hills 44 1.6 0.9 36.0 1,597 30.6
Statewide 2,705 100.0 1.9 32.6 88,233 60.4
13
![Page 17: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Table 7. Summary of 2010 OPOSSUM trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois (n = 286).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 205 12.9 2.2 13.6 2,800 29.8
Northeast Moraine 105 6.6 1.3 17.2 1,813 21.9
Mississippi Border-North 100 6.3 1.3 11.7 1,170 14.9
Mississippi Border-South 183 11.5 1.3 18.5 3,376 24.7
Western Prairie/Forest 155 9.8 1.1 11.7 1,813 12.6
Central Sand Prairie 44 2.8 1.1 8.1 360 8.7
Grand Prairie 499 31.5 0.9 8.5 4,236 8.0
Southern Plain 238 15.0 1.0 16.2 3,864 16.3
Wabash Border 22 1.4 0.3 16.3 360 5.3
Shawnee Hills 33 2.1 0.6 12.7 421 8.1
Statewide 1,586 100.0 1.1 12.7 20,213 13.8
14
![Page 18: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Table 8. Summary of 2010 RED FOX trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois
(n = 72).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 28 6.9 0.3 2.2 61 0.6
Northeast Moraine 28 6.9 0.3 1.2 33 0.4
Mississippi Border-North 6 1.4 0.1 2.0 11 0.1
Mississippi Border-South 72 18.1 0.5 2.5 183 1.3
Western Prairie/Forest 28 6.9 0.2 2.4 67 0.5
Central Sand Prairie 22 5.6 0.5 1.3 28 0.7
Grand Prairie 100 25.0 0.2 2.5 249 0.5
Southern Plain 100 25.0 0.4 1.9 194 0.8
Wabash Border 11 2.8 0.2 1.5 17 0.2
Shawnee Hills 6 1.4 0.1 1.0 6 0.1
Statewide 399 100.0 0.3 2.1 848 0.6
15
![Page 19: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Table 9. Summary of 2010 GRAY FOX trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois
(n = 7).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills - - - - - -
Northeast Moraine 6 14.3 0.1 1.0 6 0.1
Mississippi Border-North - - - - - -
Mississippi Border-South 11 28.6 0.1 1.0 11 0.1
Western Prairie/Forest - - - - - -
Central Sand Prairie - - - - - -
Grand Prairie 11 28.6 0.0 1.0 11 0.0
Southern Plain 11 28.6 0.0 1.0 11 0.0
Wabash Border - - - - - -
Shawnee Hills - - - - - -
Statewide 39 100.0 0.0 1.0 39 0.0
16
![Page 20: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Table 10. Summary of 2010 BEAVER trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois
(n = 237).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 172 13.1 1.8 7.9 1,358 14.5
Northeast Moraine 72 5.5 0.9 8.6 621 7.5
Mississippi Border-North 67 5.1 0.8 5.1 338 4.3
Mississippi Border-South 111 8.4 0.8 9.9 1,098 8.0
Western Prairie/Forest 144 11.0 1.0 8.8 1,275 8.8
Central Sand Prairie 33 2.5 0.8 19.5 649 15.6
Grand Prairie 527 40.1 1.0 8.9 4,663 8.9
Southern Plain 122 9.3 0.5 6.1 743 3.1
Wabash Border 33 2.5 0.5 5.7 188 2.8
Shawnee Hills 33 2.5 0.6 9.2 305 5.8
Statewide 1,314 100.0 0.9 8.6 11,238 7.7
17
![Page 21: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Table 11. Summary of 2010 SKUNK trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois
(n = 150).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 139 16.7 1.5 4.3 599 6.4
Northeast Moraine 72 8.7 0.9 3.8 277 3.4
Mississippi Border-North 50 6.0 0.6 4.2 211 2.7
Mississippi Border-South 61 7.3 0.4 4.7 288 2.1
Western Prairie/Forest 94 11.3 0.7 4.2 394 2.7
Central Sand Prairie 11 1.3 0.3 5.0 55 1.3
Grand Prairie 233 28.0 0.4 4.6 1,070 2.0
Southern Plain 139 16.7 0.6 7.2 1,003 4.2
Wabash Border 17 2.0 0.2 3.0 50 0.7
Shawnee Hills 17 2.0 0.3 2.0 33 0.6
Statewide 832 100.0 0.6 4.8 3,981 2.7
18
![Page 22: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Table 12. Summary of 2010 WEASEL trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois
(n = 5).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 6 20.0 0.1 1.0 6 0.1
Northeast Moraine - - - - - -
Mississippi Border-North - - - - - -
Mississippi Border-South - - - - - -
Western Prairie/Forest 6 20.0 0.0 1.0 6 0.0
Central Sand Prairie - - - - - -
Grand Prairie 17 60.0 0.0 1.3 22 0.0
Southern Plain - - - - - -
Wabash Border - - - - - -
Shawnee Hills - - - - - -
Statewide 28 100.0 0.0 1.2 33 0.0
19
![Page 23: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Table 13. Summary of 2010 COYOTE trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois
(n = 156).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 100 11.5 1.1 3.5 349 3.7
Northeast Moraine 61 7.1 0.7 7.5 460 5.6
Mississippi Border-North 12 1.4 0.2 50.4 604 7.7
Mississippi Border-South 89 10.3 0.6 7.8 687 5.0
Western Prairie/Forest 78 9.0 0.5 5.5 427 3.0
Central Sand Prairie 33 3.8 0.8 6.3 211 5.1
Grand Prairie 305 35.3 0.6 8.6 2,628 5.0
Southern Plain 94 10.9 0.4 7.1 671 2.8
Wabash Border 28 3.2 0.4 5.0 139 2.1
Shawnee Hills 6 0.6 0.1 3.0 17 0.3
Statewide 865 100.0 0.6 7.2 6,193 4.2
20
![Page 24: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Table 14. Summary of 2010 BADGER trapper and harvest data in Wildlife Management Units in Illinois
(n = 8).
Wildlife Management
Unit
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Total
Trapper
Harvest
Estimated
Trapper
Harvest/
100km2
Northwest Hills 11 25.0 0.1 1.0 11 0.1
Northeast Moraine 6 12.5 0.1 1.0 6 0.1
Mississippi Border-North 6 12.5 0.1 1.0 6 0.1
Mississippi Border-South 6 12.5 0.0 1.0 6 0.0
Western Prairie/Forest - - - - - -
Central Sand Prairie - - - - - -
Grand Prairie 17 37.5 0.0 1.0 17 0.0
Southern Plain - - - - - -
Wabash Border - - - - - -
Shawnee Hills - - - - - -
Statewide 44 100.0 0.0 1.0 44 0.0
21
![Page 25: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Table 15. Summary of 2010 MUSKRAT trapper and harvest data in Furbearer Management Zones in
Illinois (n = 324).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 1,242 69.1 1.5 40.6 50,367 79.6 61.5
South 554 30.9 0.9 23.3 12,890 20.4 20.1
Statewide 1,796 100.0 1.2 35.2 63,257 100.0 43.3
22
![Page 26: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Table 16. Summary of 2010 MINK trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in Illinois
(n = 201).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 782 70.1 1.0 4.6 3,631 79.4 4.4
South 333 29.9 0.5 2.8 942 20.6 1.5
Statewide 1,114 100.0 0.8 4.1 4,574 100.0 3.1
23
![Page 27: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Table 17. Summary of 2010 RACCOON trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in
Illinois (n = 488).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 1,796 66.4 2.2 32.6 58,550 66.4 71.5
South 909 33.6 1.4 32.6 29,683 33.6 46.2
Statewide 2,705 100.0 1.9 32.6 88,233 100.0 60.4
24
![Page 28: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Table 18. Summary of 2010 OPOSSUM trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in
Illinois (n = 286).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 1,048 61.4 1.3 11.3 11,870 58.7 14.5
South 538 33.9 0.8 15.5 8,344 41.3 13.0
Statewide 1,586 100.0 1.1 12.7 20,213 100.0 13.8
25
![Page 29: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Table 19. Summary of 2010 RED FOX trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in
Illinois (n = 72).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 172 43.1 0.2 2.1 366 43.1 0.4
South 227 56.9 0.4 2.1 482 56.9 0.8
Statewide 399 100.0 0.3 2.1 848 100.0 0.6
26
![Page 30: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Table 20. Summary of 2010 GRAY FOX trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in
Illinois (n = 7).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 11 28.6 0.0 1.0 11 28.6 0.0
South 28 71.4 0.0 1.0 28 71.4 0.0
Statewide 39 100.0 0.0 1.0 39 100.0 0.0
27
![Page 31: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Table 21. Summary of 2010 BEAVER trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in Illinois
(n = 237).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 965 73.4 1.2 9.0 8,638 76.9 10.6
South 349 26.6 0.5 7.4 2,600 23.1 4.0
Statewide 1,314 100.0 0.9 8.6 11,238 100.0 7.7
28
![Page 32: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Table 22. Summary of 2010 SKUNK trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in Illinois
(n = 150).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 577 69.3 0.7 4.5 2,572 64.6 3.1
South 255 30.7 0.4 5.5 1,408 35.4 2.2
Statewide 832 100.0 0.6 4.8 3,981 100.0 2.7
29
![Page 33: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Table 23. Summary of 2010 WEASEL trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in Illinois
(n = 5).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 28 100.0 0.0 1.2 33 100.0 0.0
South 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0
Statewide 28 100.0 0.0 1.2 33 100.0 0.0
30
![Page 34: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Table 24. Summary of 2010 COYOTE trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in Illinois
(n = 156).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 582 67.3 0.7 7.2 4,197 67.8 5.1
South 283 32.7 0.4 7.1 1,996 32.2 3.1
Statewide 865 100.0 0.6 7.2 6,193 100.0 4.2
31
![Page 35: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Table 25. Summary of 2010 BADGER trapper and harvest data by Furbearer Management Zones in Illinois
(n = 8).
Trapping
Zone
Estimated
Trappers %
Estimated
Trappers/
100km2
Average
Season
Catch
Estimated
Harvest
% of
Harvest
Estimated
Harvest/
100km2
North 39 87.5 0.0 1.0 39 87.5 0.0
South 5 12.5 0.0 1.0 5 12.5 0.0
Statewide 44 100.0 0.0 1.0 44 100.0 0.0
32
![Page 36: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
33
Table 26. The number of pelts sold by successful trappers (i.e., caught ≥ 1 animal) for 11 species
of furbearers in Illinois, 2010-2011 season (n = 758).
Pelts Sold in Illinois Pelts Sold Outside Illinois
Species
Number of
Pelts Sold Number Percentage Number Percentage
Muskrat 57,768 45,211 78.3 12,557 21.7
Mink 4,114 2,850 69.3 1,264 30.7
Raccoon 79,939 54,392 68.0 25,547 32.0
Opossum 9,314 6,630 71.2 2,683 28.8
Red fox 649 488 75.2 161 24.8
Gray fox 39 33 84.6 6 15.4
Beaver 9,353 6,409 68.5 2,944 31.5
Striped
skunk 1,530 1,059 69.2 471 30.8
Weasel 11 6 54.5 6 54.5
Coyote 4,136 2,805 67.8 1,331 32.2
Badger 28 22 78.6 6 21.4
Total 166,881 119,905 71.9
46,976 28.1
![Page 37: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
34
Table 27. Estimated statewide harvest by resident Illinois trappers, 2000-2010.
Season Muskrat Mink Raccoon Opossum Red Fox Gray Fox
2000 22,677 2,205 49,076 10,847 890 72
2001 54,017 4,375 92,596 13,684 1,741 121
2002 50,895 5,189 90,909 23,140 1,641 206
2003 32,767 3,857 66,783 17,771 1,421 211
2004 41,790 3,737 79,616 24,441 913 84
2005 25,766 2,065 41,125 8,722 705 77
2006 66,297 3,784 93,819 22,617 1,219 102
2007 35,461 3,563 88,784 27,011 1,316 191
2008 32,480 2,764 77,310 22,839 783 86
2009 31,942 1,792 52,431 14,203 1,001 71
2010 63,257 4,574 88,233 20,213 848 39
Season Beaver Skunk Weasel Coyote Badger All Species
2000 7,026 1,116 7 2,523 41 96,480
2001 11,490 2,177 47 4,258 56 184,562
2002 9,983 3,281 61 7,678 89 193,072
2003 6,987 2,531 44 6,360 111 138,843
2004 9,415 3,821 96 4,388 66 168,367
2005 9,132 2,085 19 3,089 50 92,835
2006 11,104 4,768 47 6,553 85 210,395
2007 9,394 6,558 53 9,216 84 181,631
2008 9,997 4,745 22 4,405 65 155,496
2009 7,697 3,784 29 4,585 62 117,597
2010 11,238 3,981 33 6,193 44 198,653
![Page 38: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
35
Table 28. Summary of fur hunting activities reported by trappersa in Illinois, 2010-2011.
Species
Number of
Trappers
Hunting
Reported
Furbearers
Harvested
by Hunting
Average
Reported
Harvest Per
Hunter
% of
Trappers
Hunting Each
Species
Estimated Total
Harvest By
Hunting
Raccoon 151 3,525 23.3 19.9 19,543
Opossum 64 421 6.6 8.4 2,334
Red fox 21 43 2.0 2.8 238
Gray fox 4 13 3.3 0.5 72
Striped
skunk 40 134 3.4 5.3 743
Coyote 142 864 6.1 18.7 4,790
All species 241b,c
5,000 20.7 31.8 27,720 a Active and inactive trappers.
b Successful and unsuccessful hunters.
c Total for all species is less than the sum of the above values because some trappers hunted >1 species.
![Page 39: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
36
Table 29. Reported sightings and sign of river otter and bobcat sightings during the 2010-2011
hunting seasons in Illinois.
n %
Saw river otter 203 27
Saw river otter sign 219 30
Saw bobcat 137 18
Saw bobcat sign 144 20
![Page 40: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
37
Table 30. Distribution of active trappers by county trapped most in Illinois based on
responses to the 2010-2011 Illinois Trapper Survey (n = 572). County n County n County n Adams 6 Hardin 0 Morgan 3
Alexander 1 Henderson 11 Moultrie 1
Bond 3 Henry 15 Ogle 8
Boone 5 Iroquois 7 Peoria 8
Brown 0 Jackson 9 Perry 6
Bureau 20 Jasper 3 Piatt 3
Calhoun 2 Jefferson 7 Pike 10
Carroll 11 Jersey 3 Pope 1
Cass 6 JoDaviess 13 Pulaski 1
Champaign 4 Johnson 2 Putnam 1
Christian 7 Kane 9 Randolph 8
Clark 2 Kankakee 5 Richland 3
Clay 5 Kendall 2 Rock Island 6
Clinton 8 Knox 15 St. Clair 8
Coles 3 Lake 7 Saline 2
Cook 2 LaSalle 26 Sangamon 4
Crawford 6 Lawrence 3 Schuyler 1
Cumberland 5 Lee 11 Scott 2
DeKalb 7 Livingston 5 Shelby 7
DeWitt 1 Logan 4 Stark 2
Douglas 0 McDonough 3 Stephenson 13
DuPage 1 McHenry 14 Tazewell 8
Edgar 1 McLean 7 Union 1
Edwards 3 Macon 5 Vermilion 7
Effingham 8 Macoupin 8 Wabash 3
Fayette 4 Madison 6 Warren 3
Ford 3 Marion 3 Washington 5
Franklin 3 Marshall 1 Wayne 4
Fulton 14 Mason 4 White 0
Gallatin 1 Massac 3 Whiteside 20
Greene 4 Menard 2 Will 14
Grundy 6 Mercer 12 Williamson 1
Hamilton 2 Monroe 4 Winnebago 6
Hancock 5 Montgomery 2 Woodford 12
![Page 41: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
38
Figure 1. Trapping activity reported by respondents to the 2010-2011 Illinois Trapper Survey,
and a comparison to the previous year’s (2009-2010) estimates.
20.1%
25.5%
23.0%
27.8%
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Mean traps set Mean days trapped
Pe
rce
nt
2009-2010
2010-2011
![Page 42: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
39
Figure 2. Distribution of days of trapping by active trappers in Illinois, 2010-2011 season (n =
570)
8.9%
13.0%
14.7%
11.2%
9.5%
17.2%
2.5%
4.2% 4.6%
1.6%
12.6%
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 > 50
Pe
rce
nt
Number of Days
![Page 43: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
40
Figure 3. Distribution of the number of muskrats trapped per successful muskrat trapper in Illinois,
2010-2011 season (n = 324).
41.4%
18.5%
10.2%
4.0%
6.8%
3.1% 3.1% 2.5% 0.6% 0.9% 0.6%
1.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.6% 0.6% 0.3% 0.3% 0% 0%
2.8%
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1-1
0
11
-20
21
-30
31
-40
41
-50
51
-60
61
-70
71
-80
81
-90
91
-10
0
10
1-1
10
11
1-1
20
12
1-1
30
13
1-1
40
14
1-1
50
15
1-1
60
16
1-1
70
17
1-1
80
18
1-1
90
19
1-2
00
>2
00
Pe
rce
nt
Number of Muskrats
![Page 44: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
41
Figure 4. Distribution of the number of raccoons trapped per successful raccoon trapper in Illinois,
2010-2011 (n = 488).
26.6%
16.6%
9.2% 9.6%
3.5%
5.3%
3.5% 3.1% 3.1% 3.1%
1.4% 1.4%
13.5%
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1-5
6-1
0
11
-15
16
-20
21
-25
26
-30
31
-35
36
-40
41
-45
46
-50
51
-55
56
-60
> 6
0
Pe
rce
nt
Number of Raccoons
![Page 45: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
42
Figure 5. Percent change in number of successful trappers and harvest by species
between 2009-2010 license years.
-100
-50
0
50
100
150
200
Mu
skra
t
Min
k
Rac
coo
n
Op
oss
um
Re
d F
ox
Gra
y Fo
x
Be
ave
r
Sku
nk
We
ase
l
Co
yote
Bad
ger
Pe
rce
nt
Ch
ange
Species
Successful Trappers
Total Harvest
![Page 46: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
43
Figure 6. Illinois counties in which trappers reported observing otters or their sign during the
past year, 2010-2011 season. The number of reports (sign/observation) is listed for each county.
![Page 47: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
44
Figure 7. Illinois counties in which trappers reported observing bobcats or their sign during the
past year, 2010-2011 season. The number of reports (sign/observation) is listed for each county.
![Page 48: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
45
Figure 8. Age distribution of Illinois trappers (n = 566).
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
11
-20
21
-30
31
-40
41
-50
51
-60
61
-70
71
-80
81
-90
Pe
rce
nt
Age of Trappers
![Page 49: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
46
Appendix A
Illinois Trapper Survey:
2010 - 2011 Season
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!
All of your responses will be kept confidential.
Please return this survey in the postage-paid return envelope provided.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife Resources
and
Illinois Natural History Survey
The Department of Natural Resources is requesting disclosure of information that is necessary to accomplish the
statutory purpose as outlined under the Illinois Compiled Statutes, The Wildlife Code, Chapter 520. This study is
funded by the federal Wildlife Restoration Fund through your purchase of hunting arms and ammunition.
Your comments are welcome! Please write them on a
separate sheet of paper to receive proper attention.
![Page 50: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
47
Effort and Harvest. Please answer the following questions about your furbearer hunting and
trapping activities during the 2010-2011 trapping season in Illinois.
1. Did you hunt furbearers with a gun and/or dogs in Illinois during the 2010-2011 season?
(Please check one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No (Please skip to question 3.)
2. If you did hunt furbearers in 2010-2011, please give the number taken by hunting.
Species
Number Harvested
by Hunting
Raccoon
Red Fox
Gray Fox
Opossum
Coyote
Skunk
3. Did you set any traps for furbearers in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season? (Please
check one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No (Please skip to question 8.)
![Page 51: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
48
4. Complete each blank for all species trapped in Illinois during the 2010-2011 season. Report
only your personal catch. If you trapped with a partner, list only your half of the catch.
Species
Number
Trapped
Number Sold
in
Illinois
Number Sold or
Shipped
Out of State
Number Not
Sold
Muskrat
Mink
Raccoon
Opossum
Red Fox
Gray Fox
Beaver
Skunk
Weasel
Coyote
Badger
5. In which county did you set traps most often during the 2010-2011 trapping season? (Please
indicate.)
_____________________ County
6. For how many days (or nights) did you set traps, in total, during the 2010-2011 trapping
season? (Please indicate.)
______ days (or nights)
![Page 52: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
49
7. What was the average number of traps you set on your trapline during the 2010-2011 trapping
season? (Please indicate.)
______ traps
8. Have you ever taken a formal trapper’s education course? (Please check one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No (Please skip to question 10.)
9. Why did you take the trapper’s education course? (Please check one.)
[ ]1 I was required to take the course
[ ]2 I wanted to take the course, and it was not required.
[ ]3 I took the course with someone younger than 18 years old.
[ ]4 Other reason. (Please indicate.) ______________________________
10. Within the past 5 years, have you introduced another person to trapping? (Please check one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No (Please skip to question 13.)
11. How many people have you introduced to trapping in the past 5 years? (Please indicate.)
_____ people
12. Who were the people you introduced to trapping? (Please check all that apply.)
[ ]1 a family member
[ ]2 a friend of yours
[ ]3 a friend of a friend
[ ]4 other (Please indicate.) ___________________________
13. Have you ever visited the IDNRs’ online trapper education course at www.trappered.com?
(Please check one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No
![Page 53: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
50
Wildlife Sightings. The furbearer species addressed in the following questions are of special
conservation concern to Illinois wildlife biologists. Information you provide in the following
questions will help us to manage Illinois wildlife to ensure healthy, sustainable populations.
14. Did you see any river otters in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season? (Please check
one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No (Please skip to question 16.)
15. If you did see river otters in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season, in which
county(ies) were they seen? (Please indicate.)
___________________ County(ies)
16. Did you see river otter sign in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season? (Please check
one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No (Please skip to question 18.)
17. If you did see river otter sign in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season, in which
county(ies) was it seen? (Please indicate.)
___________________ County(ies)
18. Did you see any bobcats in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season? (Please check
one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No (Please skip to question 20.)
19. If you did see bobcats in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season, in which county(ies)
were they seen? (Please indicate.)
___________________ County(ies)
![Page 54: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
51
20. Did you see bobcat sign in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season? (Please check
one.)
[ ]1 Yes
[ ]0 No (Please skip to question 22.)
21. If you did see bobcat sign in Illinois during the 2010-2011 trapping season, in which
county(ies) was it seen? (Please indicate.)
___________________ County(ies)
Information about you. The following questions provide important information to help us
understand more about the people who trap in Illinois. Please tell us about yourself by
completing the following questions. All responses will be kept confidential.
22. In what year were you born? (Please indicate.)
19 ____
23. What is your county of residence? (Please indicate.)
____________________________ County
![Page 55: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
52
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ASSISTANCE!
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources receives federal assistance and therefore must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws. In compliance with the
Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Constitution, Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended, and the U.S.
Constitution, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability. If you believe you
have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Department of Natural Resources,
One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, (217) 782-2662 or the Officer of Human Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.
20240
![Page 56: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
53
Appendix B
April 1, 2011
Dear Illinois Trapper,
I am writing to ask for your help in a study of trapping activity in our state. This study, jointly
conducted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Natural History
Survey, will assist in management and conservation efforts for furbearing species.
You are part of a random sample of resident trappers selected to provide information about
trapping activities during the 2010-2011 trapping season in Illinois. Please take a few minutes to
complete the enclosed questionnaire, even if you did not trap in Illinois during the 2010-2011
season.
Your responses are confidential and will not be associated with your name or address in
published reports. While your response to this questionnaire and any of the questions is
completely voluntary, you can help us effectively manage wildlife and trapping in Illinois by
sharing your experiences and views. You may skip any questions you don’t feel comfortable
answering. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Please return the questionnaire in the
postage-paid envelope provided.
If you have any questions or comments about this study, please contact Linda Campbell, Survey
Administrator, at (217) 244-5121 or write her at the address listed below. If you have any
questions about your rights as a participant in this study, please contact the University of Illinois
Institutional Review Board at (217) 333-2670 (collect calls accepted if you identify yourself as a
research participant) or via email at [email protected].
You may access the results of this and other studies of wildlife use in Illinois at
http://www.inhs.illinois.edu/programs/hd/. Information about fur hunting and trapping can be
found at http://dnr.state.il.us/orc/wildliferesources/. Part of Illinois’ Trapper Education Course
can now be completed online at www.trappered.com.
Thank you very much for helping with this important study.
Sincerely,
Mark G. Alessi
Human Dimensions Specialist
Illinois Natural History Survey
ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
![Page 57: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
54
Appendix C
![Page 58: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
55
Appendix D
May 1, 2011
Dear Illinois Trapper,
A few weeks ago, we sent you a questionnaire asking about your trapping activities in Illinois
during 2010-2011. To the best of our knowledge, the questionnaire has not yet been returned. If
this letter and your completed questionnaire have crossed in the mail, please accept our sincere
thanks for your participation in this study!
Your views are crucially important, even if you did not trap in Illinois during 2010-2011. The
results of this study will help Illinois Department of Natural Resources biologists make informed
decisions about how to manage wildlife and trapping in Illinois.
If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the enclosed
questionnaire. The enclosed questionnaire is a duplicate copy of the one you received earlier.
Your responses are confidential and will not be associated with your name or address in
published reports. While your response to this questionnaire and any of the questions is
completely voluntary, you can help us effectively manage wildlife and trapping in Illinois by
sharing your experiences and views. You may skip any questions you don’t feel comfortable
answering. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Please return the questionnaire in the
postage-paid envelope provided.
If you have any questions or comments about this study, please contact Linda Campbell, Survey
Administrator, at (217) 244-5121 or write her at the address listed below. If you have any
questions about your rights as a participant in this study, please contact the University of Illinois
Institutional Review Board at (217) 333-2670 (collect calls accepted if you identify yourself as a
research participant) or via email at [email protected].
You may access the results of this and other studies of wildlife use in Illinois at
http://www.inhs.illinois.edu/programs/hd/. Information about fur hunting and trapping can be
found at http://dnr.state.il.us/orc/wildliferesources/. Part of Illinois’ Trapper Education Course
can now be completed online at www.trappered.com.
Thank you very much for helping with this important study.
Sincerely,
Mark G. Alessi
Human Dimensions Specialist
Illinois Natural History Survey
ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
![Page 59: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
56
Appendix E
![Page 60: HumanDimensions Results of the 2010-2011 R e s e a r c h P r o g … · the 2010-2011 Illinois trapping season, an increase of 68% from the estimated 52,431 trapped during the 2009-2010](https://reader031.vdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022011823/5ed6c9be83f0ec37f06d9f24/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
57
Appendix F