Issue/Problem Statement
Indices of animal abundance are often expensive and time consuming to obtain. By taking advantage of observations of trappers and hunters during their annual field activities, we can amass large volumes of observations on species abundance at a relatively low cost. If a consistent reporting mechanism is maintained then abundance as perceived by hunters and trappers should be comparable between counties or regions and on an annual basis.
Objective
To gather abundance ranking data from hunters and trappers for all harvested furbearers and upland game species. To provide annual abundance scores for all harvested fur and upland game species by county on an annual basis.
Methods
Request abundance ranking of relevant species on the Fur Harvester Report Card, the Upland Game Report Card and the Coyote Hunting Report. Data is converted to numerical scores and entered into a database. Results are calculated by species and county.
Partners
Fur harvester and small game license holders as well as coyote hunting permit holders (provide data); Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry Regional Services (some compilation and follow-up).
Project Dates and Duration
Variable based on when licenses, cards and permits are returned. Results are normally complete by July 1 but analysis for some species may be completed earlier.
Progress to Date
Data collected for five species under fur license for first four years, with an additional nine species added in 1993/94. Program expanded to coyote permit in 1992 and upland game license in 1994.
Reporting
Furbearer data is reported in the Trappers Newsletter and upland game in other Department publications and/or on the DNR Wildlife Division website. Raw data and summary tables maintained in paper and/or electronic format.
Management Recommendations
Continue. Data important for resource management.