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2023 Convention
Highlights
Check out
NBTFHF President Charles Neveu's Report for
all the Convention Highlights and Award
Winners from the 2023 Annual Convention.
Click Here to View!
Another Black Bobcat
On January 5, 2023,
Moncton & Area Trappers Council member,
Leonard Caissie and his son Gerard Caissie
were out tending their snares when they came
upon this unusual catch, a 19 pound
melanistic bobcat. Gerard had a tag for that
zone, so they were able to keep this prized
catch. The catch location was just 1.5
kilometers away from the spot where MATC
member Ozzie McFadden caught another black
bobcat, only 3 years ago. They have yet to
decide what they will do with their catch.
All In On Castor
_____________________________________________
Here are the winners
for this year raffle.
1St prize, Blair Young from Harcourt (Quiet cat E
bike)
ticket sold by John
Richard
2nd prize, George Worden from Hoyt
ticket sold by
himself
3rd prize, Greg Budd, will take the 350$ in cash
ticket sold by Carl
Cyr
Click For June 2022 Auction Results
Moncton & Area
Trappers Council
holds Trapper
Education Course
On April 22-24,2022
the Moncton and Area Trappers Council, in
cooperation with Department of Natural
Resouces and Energy Development held a
trapper education course at the DNRED
offices in Dieppe. There were 21 students
who took the course with a pass rate of
100%. The course was taught mostly by MATC
volunteer instructors with a little
assistance from DNRED Instructor, Rod
McEachern. Classroom instruction was
provided by MATC Volunteers Jim Marriner,
Trevor Fougere, Kevin White, and Gerry
Williamson. Practical instruction was
provided by volunteers James Ritchie,
Charles Leblanc, Arnold Colpitts, Oswald
McFadden and Troy Moss.
During the course
there were three trap draws. The first was
won by Brian Gratton, the second by Mathieu
LeBlanc and the third by Jennifer Gratton.
Congratulations to these 21 new trappers!
Click on Images to
Enlarge
Check out what's new for 2022, Season Dates and
Hunting Times
Please Note: 2022 NBTFHF Memberships Expire
on January 31, 2023
Have you renewed your membership yet?
A reminder that NBTFHF Memberships
expire on the 31st of January each year. If you haven't
renewed your membership, you will not receive the magazine
associated with your membership until it is renewed.
Not a Member Yet?
The New Brunswick Trappers & Fur
Harvesters work both on the frontline and behind the scenes to
enhance, improve and preserve trapping and fur harvesting for
New Brunswick Trappers. Do your part and support the NBTFHF by
purchasing your membership today. For details on joining,
renewing and the benefits of doing so, go to our
Membership Page by clicking here.
Snowmobile Pass Application
2022 - 2023
Fur Harvesters who are
NBTFHF Members may apply for a season pass to carry out
trapping and fur harvesting activities on their lines
that will allow them use of NBFSC groomed trails while
doing so. Applications for the pass
MUST go through
NBTFHF Secretary Gerry Williamson.
Download Pass
Application Here
British Columbia will
be phasing out the province’s mink-farming
industry due to ongoing public-health risks
associated with COVID-19.
There is now a
permanent ban on breeding mink. A permanent
ban on live mink farms will be in place by
April 2023 with all operations ceasing
completely by 2025.
Read More Here.....
Click Here To View Photos
Important
Information
Regarding Carcass
Submission
Sir/Madam,
This letter is to inform
you of a change in the procedure for
submitting bobcat, otter,
marten and fisher carcasses to the
Department of Natural Resources and Energy
Development (DNRED) and obtaining a Cold
Storage Permit and Carcass Receipt.
Due to Covid-19, District offices will not
be open to the public for the foreseeable
future.
Fur harvesters will need to schedule an
appointment to deliver carcasses to DNRED
District offices and obtain the required
permits.
To submit carcasses, fur harvesters are to:
• Call the District office (see below for
locations and phone numbers) to schedule an
appointment to deliver the carcasses and
obtain the required permits.
• Provide their:
o Name
o Address
o Fur Harvester Licence Number
o Which species and how many of each are to
be included on the cold storage
permit/carcass receipt.
o Bobcat harvest tag numbers if bobcat
carcasses are being submitted.
Permit will not be issued if the bobcat
harvest tag numbers are not
included.
• Upon arriving at the office to deliver the
carcasses, the fur harvester will call the
office at which time the permit will be
placed in a drop box by the main door.
• Please place carcasses in the carcass box
as directed by DNRED staff.
The Department thanks you for your continued
support on the collection of biological data
for these species of special management
concern.
Location and Phone
Numbers of DNRED District Offices:
Bathurst 547-2080
Hampton 832-6055
Campbellton 789-2336
Miramichi 627-4050
Canterbury 279-7019
Plaster Rock 356-6030
Chipman 339-7019
Richibucto 523-7600
Dieppe 856-2334
St. George 755-4040
Doaktown 365-2001
Saint-Quentin 235-6040
Edmundston 735-2040
Sussex 432-2008
Florenceville-Bristol 392-5105
Tracadie 394-3636
Fredericton 453-2345
Welsford 486-6000
Sincerely,
J. Kristian Moore
Executive Director
Natural Resources Division
The New Brunswick Trappers & Fur
Harvesters Federation would like to remind pet owners and
the general public the Fur Harvesting & Trapping Season is
now underway in New Brunswick until February 28th. Fur
Harvesters must show responsibility in where they set traps
as well as follow provincial regulations when doing so. We
ask that pet owners also be responsible and not let their
pets run at large as per provincial regulations. Nobody,
trapper or pet owner wants to see harm come to a pet. For
more information, please view the
Pet Owners Guide on the Department of Natural Resources
website.
The New Brunswick
Trappers & Fur Harvesters Federation, After
approval of our Board of Directors, we have
decided to join forces with several
organizations across Canada in the fight
against the recently announced gun ban. This
is being spearheaded by the Safari Club
International and Randy Mersereau has agreed
to be our point man on this issue.
The following link will
take you to the online petition against the
Trudeau Government's new gun ban, please
consider signing it to show your opposition
to this unjust ban :
Sign the Petition Here!
Moncton Trapper
Education Course
2020
On February 7,8 & 9,
2020, the Moncton & Area Trappers Council
held a trapper education course at the DNRED
office in Dieppe. There were 24 students in
attendance who all successfully passed the
course Click Here
For More
Three Generations at the Edmundston Trapper Council!
Trapping is a family
affair at the Edmundston Trapper Council. In fact,
we encounter many of our members that are family
related. Either they are brothers, two generations
and even three families have three generations on
the trapline. The Plourdes, the Voisines and the
Soucys. Every fall, that desire to set traps comes
like a fever for these family members.
CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE
View The Photos
Here
Miramichi Trappers Course 2020
Once again the Renous Trappers
Council and DNR, including Denis Guitard of Bathurst
Council, worked together to put on a trapping course for
21 students, ranging in age from teenagers to seniors.
Click to
Read the Full Article
In Memory of
Jean-Marie Dufour
1950-2019
With great
sadness we, at the Edmundston Trapper Council,
announce the loss of a devoted member and dear
friend. Jean-Marie Dufour passed away on December 3rd,2019
at the age of 69 after a courageous battle with
cancer.
Jean-Marie
will be beautifully remembered by his loving wife
Marie-May Cyr, his daughters Manon (Jason Martin) of
St-Jacques and Julie (Éric Pelletier) of Moncton,
his grandkids Maxim, Rosalie and Logan and, his
mother Mrs. Laurette Dufour of St-Jacques.
A funeral
service was held on December 9, 2019 at the Catholic
Church in St-Jacques, New-Brunswick. Donations in
Jean-Marie’s memory may be made to Foundation Mgr.
Henri Cormier Lodge.
A Great Team Make Things
Happen!
By Daniel Soucy
In August 2018, the
Edmundston trapper council revived after more than a
decade of non-existence. A dedicated group of trappers
led by Serge Fournier is the reason for this successful
comeback. The Council is now at 41 members in just over
a year of existence. Our president is Serge Fournier,
the vice-president is Daniel Fournier, the treasurer is
Steve Plourde, the secretary is François Gagnon,
External Affairs Director is Eric “Burger” Bouchard and
our membership/publicity person is Audrey Plourde.
We are in the North West part of New Brunswick bordered
by the state of Maine and the province of Québec.
After a year of work, we have a few success stories to
tell. Firstly , we won a third place for our booth at
the New Brunswick Trapper's annual Convention held in
Fredericton in January 2019 in our first appearance in
many years. We also fabricated and donated 12 fleshing
boards for the youth training program.
2019 Raffle Winners
1st - Carl Cyr - Campbellton
seller - Jim Marriner
2nd - Tina Steeves - Upper Coverdale
Seller - Yvon Morais
3rd - Joe Botta - Moncton
seller - Bill Carter
A big thanks to all that either bought or sold tickets for
this, our
major fund raiser for the year.
Yvon Morais demos under ice beaver
snaring
Click Here
To View
On February 1,2 &
3, the Moncton & Area Trappers Council in
cooperation with DERD held a trapper education
course at the DERD Offices in Dieppe.
Click here
to Read the Article & View photos
As a young man,
Vincent received his bachelor of teaching diploma
from the University of Moncton and a Masters in
education in France. He then left N.B. to start his
career in Northern Quebec where he got a job for the
Dept. of Indian Affairs, looking after the school
system on some First Nations communities. After that
stint away, he came back to his home town of
Tracadie NB, in the Acadian Peninsula, to pursue his
teaching career as the principal of a new school in
the area.
Because of his love for nature and outdoors
activities, he started to get very much involved
with different groups to promote the outdoors. From
1973 to 1978 he was the president of a new outdoor
summer festival called Bitowa.
In
1979, he became the president of the N.B. Trappers
Assoc. In 1981, he was made a life member of the
N.B. Wildlife Federation in recognition of all the
hard work and time devoted to that Federation.
In
1999, he and a few other devoted people, formed a
new fish and game organization in Tracadie ,“Club
Chasse et Pêche de Tracadie”, of which he was a
board member until just a few years ago when his
health prevented him from continuing. During those
years with the fish and game club, he initiated a
new association, the Big and Little Tracadie Rivers
watershed association which he managed for many
years and worked hard at restoring fish habitat.
Vincent was a very good trapper and probably because
of his background in education, he loved to teach
others his passion for trapping. He became a
volunteer trapper education instructor for the NB
Trapper Education program in 1998 and taught many
courses to almost 100 students. Over the years, his
good trapping ethics made him an excellent mentor to
many new trappers. He was awarded the Trapper of the
Year award by the NBTFHF in 2005.
Thanks a million Vincent and hopefully, wherever you
are, the rivers are full of fish and your traps full
of fur.
View the
2019 Convention Photos by clicking here!
On February 16, 2019, the
Renous Trappers Council held a Trappers
Workshop.
Click here to read the article and see the
photos.
It was a privilege to accompany
Miles on his trapline for my very first muskrat
trapping venture. To be fair I was a bit clumsy and
clueless going into it, but also excited about
undertaking something I know will bring me
fulfillment in the years to come.
Click here to read the
complete article
Moose fight!
New Brunswick man films rarely seen spectacle
Source CBC News
Read the Article & Watch The Video
Here To Stay
Read the CBC Article Here
2018 Raffle Winners
On March 2-4 the Moncton & Area
Trappers Council in cooperation with the Department
of Energy & Resource Development held a trapper
education course......Click
Here for the Article & Photos
The Restigouche council held a
trappers workshop
Click Here
to Read the Article by Carl Cyr
Click Here To Read Article
Click here
to see the award winners and
convention photos from the
2018 NBTFHF
Annual Winter Convention
The Renous Trappers Council and DERD combined to
put on a trapping course for 17 students on
Jan.26th,27th,and 28th,
2018....
Click Here
To read more and view photos of the event.
NBTFHF Secretary Receives Sportsman of
the Year Award
Gerry accepts award from NBWF President,
Charlie LeBlanc
Our Secretary, Gerry Williamson, was recently
awarded the New Brunswick Wildlife Federation
Sportsman of the year award at the NBWF Convention
held at the Fredericton Inn on April 8th.
Gerry first got involved with conservation
organizations as treasurer of the Moncton Fish &
Game Association around 1980. He then became NBWF
treasurer until 1988. Gerry was a member of the
organizational committee of the NBWF/NBTA Rendezvous
and was part of the committee that hosted the NBWF
2015 AGM in Sussex. He is currently in his second
term with the NB Wildlife Trust Fund, representing
trappers, and currently holds the position of acting
chairman. Gerry was the President of the NB Fur
Harvester Association from 1993 to 1996 and in 1996
was elected as Secretary of the newly formed NB
Trappers and Fur Harvester Federation, a position he
still holds to this day. He is currently the Vice
President of the Moncton & Area Tappers Council and
is also a Trapper education instructor. He is also
a current member of the Petitcodiac Sportsman’s
Club. Gerry was the recipient of the NB Trappers &
Fur Harvester Federation “ Woodstream Trapper of the
Year Award “ in 1999.
Congratulations to Gerry on being awarded this most
prestigious NBWF award.
Moncton Trapper Education
On March 24-26, 2017, the Moncton
& Area Trappers Council, in cooperation with the
Department of Energy & Resource Development, held
their second trapper education course for 2017 at
the DERD facilities in Dieppe. There were 17
students who started the course, but one student had
to leave early, due to illness, so only 16 finished.
Click Here to Read More & View Photos
Renous Council Trapper Workshop
The Renous Trappers
Council held it's 2nd annual workshop in
Miramichi on Saturday, February 25th. We had a
decent turnout, considering many areas were
getting freezing rain in the early morning.
About 45 people attended, but, like most events
lately, very few were young trappers, who would
benefit most from demonstrations. Only four out
of over forty ....
Click Here to Read
More & View Photos
Rare Black Bobcat Donated to NB Museum
A rare all-black bobcat
will soon be on public display at the New Brunswick
Museum in Saint John, thanks to donations from a
trio of hunting and wildlife groups.
Veteran trapper Oswald McFadden snared the
melanistic bobcat on Christmas Day, drawing waves of
attention online and sparking a bidding war among
private collectors. The Cocagne outdoorsman was
offered thousands of dollars and an all-inclusive
hunting trip out West to give up the cat.
In the end, McFadden agreed to sell the carcass —
for considerably less than what private buyers were
offering — to the New Brunswick Wildlife
Association, Moncton Area Trappers Council, and New
Brunswick Trappers and Fur Harvesters.
The groups immediately donated the bobcat to the New
Brunswick Museum.
Read the full story on CBC by clicking here!
100 Years of Trapping Experience
Pictured above is Carl "The
Legend" Cyr with his father Buck Cyr, who at the age
of 93, still wants to go on the trapline.
Also in the picture are Carl's
Grandchildren, Colton (R) and Brock (L) Bujold.
Here's hoping the tradition lives on. They also
attended the convention held in Moncton January 24th
and loved it.
"Take a kid trapping and they
will never forget the experience" says the legend
who is looking forward to next years trapping and
the opportunity to make it 101 years.
Click
Here To View Award Winners
New Brunswick Trapper Catches Black
Bobcat
A New Brunswick trapper has
made very rare catch on his line near
Cocagne, NB on Christmas Day. Oswald McFadden
snared the melanistic bobcat which is only the
12th one ever recorded in North America and the
2nd in New Brunswick. The other ten were all
from Florida. Despite claims from U.S. trappers
that it was caught in a number of different
states in the US, it was caught right here in
New Brunswick on Oswald's trapline.
Click Here for the Full Article on CBC News
E-Licensing
Now you can purchase your
Fur Harvesters, Hunting & Trapping licenses online from
Service New Brunswick.
You will need an Outdoors
card or register for your outdoors card prior to
purchasing a license.
Click Here to go to the Service NB
E-Licensing Web Page
Recently, there have
been a number of reports of cougar sightings
around the province. There has long been a
debate as to whether they actually exist in New
Brunswick or are simply a case of mistaken
identity. There have however, been confirmed
proof of the big cats in the province. Some have
theories that they have been here all along,
others believe they are transients or animals
that have escaped captivity. The links below are
recent stories that have appeared on CBC
regarding the cougar sightings.
Possible cougar sightings near Tracy have
residents rattled
Possible Cougar in Grand Falls
New Brunswick cougars are likely escaped pets,
not eastern cougars
 The
Renous Trappers Council held a workshop on March
12th at the DNR garage in Miramichi. We had about 50
people attend. A little less than we’d hoped, but I
think everyone had a good time, hopefully picking up
a few tips . It was good to see old friends and make
a few new ones. Aside from local trappers we had
trappers from Moncton, Sussex, Harcourt, and
Bathurst.
I want to thank Ed Cottreau,
Esmond Daigle, and John Richard for putting on demos
and DNR for allowing us to use the garage. And a
special thanks to Regis LeClair for babysitting us
all day and keeping the coffee pot going.
Thanks to Fur Harvesters Auction for donations, and
Miramichi ProNature for donations and advertising.
Darrell Warren
Click Here for Photos of the Workshop
NB Outdoors Card
 Trapping,
hunting and fishing enthusiasts can now register and
apply for the New Brunswick Outdoors Card. The Card
will allow users to purchase trapping, hunting and
fishing licenses online, at Service NB and license
vendors. Fishing licenses can currently be purchased
online with the card and hunting and trapping
licenses are to be added in 2016. Although
information from the Government of NB website says
an outdoor card is not mandatory, some vendors will
not sell a license to persons unless they have an
outdoors card. It looks like the cards may be
mandatory in the not to distant future.
The cards do have their
benefits;
-
You can purchase and
print your license at home as long as you have a
credit card or debit card from most major banks.
-
If you lose your
license, you can simply go online and reprint a
copy of your license.
-
Once registered,
your card will also contain hunter safety,
trapper education, bow hunter education etc
information that is currently shown on your
conservation card.
For more information or
to register for your NB Outdoors Card, got to:
http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/natural_resources/e-Licensing.html
Marten Versus Rabbit
Here is a rare
glimpse of a marten hunting a rabbit in
Mistissini, Quebec.
Click on the image below to watch the video on
the video owners YouTube channel.
The links
below will take you to the most recent list of
Certified Traps that trappers must use when fur
harvesting in New Brunswick. The list is current as
of July 1, 2017 and provided by the
Fur Institute of Canada.
Renous Trappers Council
BBQ
The
Renous Council had a barbeque on August 22 at the
old McGraw Brook picnic site. We had a decent
turnout, despite the weather and had a great time.
It’s a poor replacement for a Summer Rendezvous, but
it was a chance to get together with fellow trappers
and their families. Hopefully we can continue to
grow and attract a few visitors from other Councils.
We had a scavenger hunt for the kids, a trap setting
contest, won by Maurice Doiron, frying pan toss, won
by Nick Keenan for the men, and Chelsea Connors for
the women.
We also
did a few demos with Maurice doing a dirthole set,
Yvon Morais doing both Conibear and leghold for
beaver, and myself doing blind mink sets.
Thanks
to Underhill Landscaping and Excavating for
supplying Porta-potties, Trout Brook Flyshop for
prizes and to everyone else who helped.
Darrell
Warren
Click
Here For More Photos of the BBQ
2015 Winter Convention Photos
Click Here To
View Gallery
Rabid raccoon bite in
Charlotte County prompts call for action
Health officer urges
provincial government to resume inoculation
programs, or risk rabies outbreak
New Brunswick's
medical officer of health in Saint John is urging
the provincial government to resume trap-and-release
and bait-and-drop inoculation programs in Charlotte
Country, or risk a rabies outbreak.
Dr. Scott Giffin
says a rabid raccoon bit a man in Oak Bay last week,
bringing the total number of confirmed rabid
raccoons in the area in recent weeks to at
least three.
There have also been
other reports of likely rabid raccoons, he said.
"This is in Charlotte
Country right now, but if something isn't done about
it, it will be spread up the coast."
The virus can be
lethal for animals and humans, if not treated right
away.
Giffin says he was
supposed to meet with Department of Agriculture,
Department of Natural Resources and Department of
Health officials on Tuesday to discuss the issue,
but the meeting was cancelled due to the blizzard.
Serious situation
He says he is
urgently pushing to have it rescheduled. It's a
serious situation, he said, warning that another
attack could occur in the near future.
"Therefore there
needs to be some program put in place to restrict
the number of exposures."
On Jan. 19, three men
came across a raccoon that was acting strangely and
one of them tried to pick the animal up, said Giffin.
"It bit him quite
extensively. And there was one other member of the
group that got blood sprayed on him. And there was
one taking a cell phone [video] capturing all that
went all, but he did not get exposed."
The raccoon tested
positive for rabies and the two men who were exposed
have received treatment, said Giffin.
St. Stephen used to
have a successful trap-and-release program, where
trappers live-trap animals, vaccinate them and
release them, as well as a bait-and-drop program,
where the vaccine is mixed with food and dropped in
wooded areas, he said.
"We successfully
eliminated the threat before, we should be able to
go it again," said Giffin.
"I think it needs
very serious consideration to be applied to this
situation to see if it would be effective. But as
far as I can determine, at this point it would be
effective. It's a matter of, of course, money to put
the program in place."
Katie Killen, of the
Mayfield Veterinary Clinic in St. Stephen, says she
has noticed an increase in encounters with
potentially rabid animals.
"It certainty needs
to be looked at, I think," she said. "I think we
need to be investigating pretty thoroughly
whether this is something that's become a big
problem in the wild animal population."
Source CBC News
RCMP Will Keep Muskrat Hats
OTTAWA -- A national
fur organization says it raised objections with
federal cabinet ministers upon learning the RCMP
planned to begin outfitting officers with tuques
instead of muskrat hats.
The Fur Institute of
Canada made its concerns known to the environment
and public safety ministers after seeing a recent
media report about the move, said Glen Doucet, the
group's executive director.
"Many of our members
phoned in to government MPs and folks directly,"
Doucet said Wednesday.
"We raised our concerns,
but I think the government was already there. We didn't
have to do much -- they got it."
Environment Minister
Leona Aglukkaq announced Tuesday the government was
ordering the Mounties to keep wearing the customary
winter head coverings.
In a news release
Wednesday, the institute echoed the Conservative stance
on the issue, saying it was pleased that the government
refused to be "compromised by radical animal rights
activists whose efforts and campaigns of misinformation
only serve to hurt the livelihoods of Canadians in rural
and remote communities."
Doucet said the federal
government recognized the RCMP's history is so closely
linked to the fur trade that replacing the traditional
hats with tuques would send a devastating message to
trappers and commercial markets.
"The history of Canada
was built on the fur trade and many Canadians are still
involved in it."
Standards dictate that a
trap must render 80 per cent of animals tested
irreversibly unconscious within a maximum of 300
seconds, the institute says.
The Vancouver-based
Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals
had encouraged the Mounties to find a replacement for
the muskrat hat, saying the body-gripping traps leave
the animals exposed while alive to numerous hazards --
including predators and the elements.
The RCMP wrote to the
animal-rights group last summer to say it had tested a
tuque that works well in normal winter conditions, and
that it would supply the new hat to cadets. Though the
Mounties planned to continue issuing muskrat hats to
personnel working in extreme cold, the overall result
would be a "significant reduction" in fur headgear.
"We have listened to the
views of external interested parties and of our
employees," wrote RCMP Corps Sgt. Major Darren Campbell
in the Aug. 8 letter.
Protection association
spokesman Michael Howie expressed disgust with
Aglukkaq's intervention. "What the minister came out and
did is clearly vote-pandering to a dwindling industry."
He likened abandoning fur
trapping to recognizing other historical wrongs such as
interning Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War
and the abuse of aboriginal students at residential
schools.
"To say that evolving as
a community is somehow disrespectful to our past is
disturbing," he said. "This heritage argument has to
end."
The majority of the close
to 70,000 trappers in Canada harvest muskrat, and the
animal is commonly sought by aboriginal trappers for
food and bait as well as the pelt, Doucet said.
Muskrats reproduce at a
prodigious rate and would cause problems if not culled
regularly, Doucet added, touting his industry's
sustainable approach.
"These animals are
abundant and plentiful in our environment and need to be
trapped to protect our ecosystems, let alone for the fur
trade."
Source: CTV News
Check out the Fur Institute of Canada's Bi Monthly
Newsletter Update by clicking here
Fur Harvesting Licenses No Longer
Available at DNR Offices
Trappers wishing to
purchase a Fur Harvesters License will now have to
make a visit to Service NB instead of the local DNR
office. You will also have to have a valid drivers
license and valid NB Medicare card for
identification purposes in order to purchase your
license. Service NB does not recognize the
government issued NB Conservation Cards.
From gnb.ca;
Effective April 2,
2013, most provincial fishing, hunting and trapping
licences can be purchased at all Service New
Brunswick Centres as well as at more than 200
private sector vendors.
As of the same date, most fishing, hunting and
trapping licences will no longer be available at
Department of Natural Resources’ offices.
Some specialty licences and permits, including Crown
reserve angling licences, guide licences and
non-resident bear licences will continue to be
available at local DNR offices. To find out where to
obtain specific licences and permits, contact your
nearest Department of Natural Resources office.
There are no fee increases associated with these
changes. As well, while SNB and private vendors will
now sell most licences, DNR retains regulatory
authority for all provincial hunting, trapping and
fishing licences, including the establishment of
fees.
Don't put your
restraining traps for coyotes away just because the
snow is deep. You could be missing out on some great
winter trapping and it can increase the use you
normally get out of your footholds during the
winter. NBTFHF President Charles Neveu gives details
on the "Snowmobile Track Set" and bait piles.
Click Here for the
article!
News from the Northwest Council
January 27th 2013: The North-West Trappers Council
had their annual meeting during which a new board
was to be elected. Re-elected president Gérard
Levesque, Re-elected treasurer Burt Laforge and
Re-elected secretary Marc Devost. 35 members
participated in this meeting, a great turnout! As
you can see our Council brings together people of
all ages. What a vibrant group! Thank you everyone
for showing up every time. We also took the time to
showcase the prizes received by our Council members
during the annual NBTFHF Convention in Fredericton:
Riley Givskud received the Jr. Skinner award,
Michael 'Puss' Michaud was named Trapper of the Year
and Gérard Levesque was named Instructor of the
Year. The council is very proud of these
achievements.
See more photos from the
Northwest Council by clicking here!
Restigouche Council
A
long time proud member of the Restigouche Trappers
Council, 80 year old Mr. Wilfred Arseneau with some
nice catches from november 1983. Nice big coyote in
picture above, coyote number 9 and a nice fox in
picture #2 and proudly showing beavers in picture #3
Click
on Pictures to view larger.
ATV Trail Pass Now Required
ATV Riders in New
Brunswick are required to purchase a trail pass
effective January 1st, 2013. Legislation passed by
the Alward Government has made it mandatory for
ATVers to have a trail pass when riding on
designated trails in the province. Riders not having
a pass will be subject to a $172.50 fine if caught
without one.
This will no doubt have
an effect on some trappers as many trappers use an
ATV on at least part of their line. Some even argue
that they have been using some trails for decades
and ATV clubs have simply claimed them as their own
and designated them as club trails. Trail passes
range from $25 - $75 dollars depending on if a
seasonal or annual pass is purchased. Further
details can be found on the Government of NB
website.
Click Here For More
Restigouche Council Workshop
On September 15th, 18
people (including 80 years young Wilfred Arseneau)
attended the Restigouche Trappers Council's second
annual trappers workshop. Terry Landry (instructor)
assisted by Stephen Scott (Long Creek Outfiitters)
demonstrated how to clean, dip and wax traps. The
Restigouche Trappers Council would like to thank the
NB Wildlife Trust Fund and Carl (The Legend) Cyr for
helping us in making this enjoyable day possible.
And thanks also to Mr. Dale Laflamme for his
hospitality.
Click to view larger image
Fur Harvesters Can Now Carry
.22 On Sunday
Fur Harvesters in New
Brunswick may now carry a .22 Rimfire on Sundays for
dispatch purposes. Firearms must be cased while
being transported or carried in the field to trap
locations and must be re-cased immediately after
dispatching a live-caught furbearer. The exceptions
are the three Sundays in deer season when Sunday
hunting is legal.
The NBTFHF has long
argued that trappers should be able to carry a .22
for dispatching purposes in the interest of safety
and a quick dispatch. Thumbs up to the NBTFHF in
getting this legislation passed.
NBTFHF President on Coyotes
NBTFHF President Charles
Neveu provides some interesting information on coyote
trapping undertaken by trappers in the Drummond - Grand
Falls area of New Brunswick. Read his President's Report
by clicking here!
NB Wolf Confirmed
 DNA
testing has confirmed that a canine shot in April on the
Acadian Peninsula is indeed a wolf, making it the first
killed in the province since 1876.
The animal which weighed 86
pounds was shot by a hunter in the Caraquet area. The
hunter called the animal in with an electronic predator
call and shot it thinking it was a coyote. Once he got
close to the animal, he realized it was considerably
larger than the average coyote and started to think it
may be part wolf.
Department of Natural
resources were contacted as well as NB Museum zoologist
Don McAlpine for positive identification. As a result,
DNA was sent off for testing for confirmation of
species.
With confirmation that the
animal was indeed a wolf, it will now be a wait and see
session to find out what steps will be taken by
officials as far as protection measures in the province.
Will hunting and trapping regulations change? Will
forestry practices and methods be refined or will the
animal simply be passed off as an escaped pet or
transient wolf straying out of it's territory.
Could NB Have a Turkey Season in the
Future?
 Hunters
in New Brunswick may get to enjoy a Wild Turkey
season in the future. The New Brunswick chapter of
the National Wild Turkey Federation has applied for
permission to import and release wild turkeys in New
Brunswick. A consulting firm has been hired to carry
out a study and make a pitch to the Department of
Natural Resources for permission to release the
birds here.
There are concerns that
the large birds could have an effect on the Ruffed
Grouse. Many north eastern U.S. states have healthy
populations of both bird species that co-exist quite
well so the fears may be unfounded. Rob Wilson, an
avid hunter and president of the Saint John chapter
of the National Wild Turkey Federation, said turkeys
were in New Brunswick before and should return.
Even without importing
turkeys from outside the province, it appears they
are here anyway. Large flocks have been spotted all
over southern and western New Brunswick, and it
appears they are migrating here from the state of
Maine.
Muskrat Makes Wall Street
Journal
CALUMET, Mich.—The North
American muskrat market has been booming, thanks to soaring
purchases by Chinese and other newly rich nations that need
muskrat fur to line coats and footwear
Specifically, they want
muskrat bellies, the felt-like fur that is practically
impermeable to moisture. At $10 per pelt—five times what
muskrats fetched in the 1990s—pelts were trading at new
highs when bidding for last season's furs ended in June.
But some in the belly trade
are casting worried glances at Europe, where fur sales are
expected to be soft this winter. That could drag prices down
for trappers here, and the current muskrat mania could prove
to be a belly flop.
Read the rest of the story here!
The New Brunswick Trappers & Fur
Harvesters Federation would like to remind pet owners and
the general public the Fur Harvesting & Trapping Season is
now underway in New Brunswick until February 28th. Fur
Harvesters must show responsibility in where they set traps
as well as follow provincial regulations when doing so. We
ask that pet owners also be responsible and not let their
pets run at large as per provincial regulations. Nobody,
trapper or pet owner wants to see harm come to a pet. For
more information, please view the
Pet Owners Guide on the Department of Natural Resources
website.
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New Brunswick Conservation
Officers Get New Look
New Brunswick Conservation
Officers have a new look. You may have noticed the new
"Badge" on the doors of Conservation Officers trucks
lately. They are more easily recognizable as
Conservation Officers than the previous Province of New
Brunswick logo which all DNR vehicles carried. They now
look more in line with CO vehicles from other provinces
and U.S. states.
Support the NBTFHF by Donating a Fur
The NBTFHF works tirelessly for
the Trappers of New Brunswick in many trapping & fur
harvesting related matters. Much of that work is done behind
the scenes and benefits both NBTFHF members and non-member
trappers alike. The NBTFHF Executive & directors work
closely with Fish & Wildlife, DNR, outdoor use groups and
many other agencies and organizations to help preserve and
maintain trapping as we know it today. The input from the
NBTFHF is invaluable in setting seasons, quotas, regulation
changes and insuring the trappers of New Brunswick are given
a fair shake.
Although the work is done by
volunteers, there are incurring expenses to do so. Our
winter convention, Summer Rendezvous, Website and Newsletter
all cost money but are necessary to promote trapping,
educate both trappers and non-trappers and keep trappers
informed and aware of anything related to trapping.
Unfortunately, with only 20% of licensed NB trappers buying
a membership, the budget gets pretty limited at times. In
order to help our budget out, the NBTFHF is asking all
trappers to "Donate Fur the Federation" .
It's not always easy to part
with cold hard cash, but donating a pelt seems a little
easier and will help the NBTFH in exactly the same way. When
your dropping your fur off to Fur Harvesters Auction or
North American Fur Auctions for sale at the auction, donate
a pelt (or two) to the NBTFHF. We have an account at both
Auction Houses and you simply have to tell the pick-up agent
you'd like to donate it to the NBTFHF and give them the fur
you'd like to donate.
The New Brunswick Trappers &
Fur Harvesters would like to thank trappers in advance for
their donation, it will be greatly appreciated and certainly
be a big help in our continued work to benefit trappers in
NB.
Plaster Rock Area Trappers Take
Trapper Ed Course
A Trapper Education course was
held on April 29th, 2011 at the Plaster Rock Welcome Center.
A total of 22 students took part in the course. Everybody
present showed lots of enthusiasm and was eager to learn. A
special thank you goes out to the Professional Volunteer
Instructors who took the time to instruct during this fun
and instructive weekend; Frank Hathaway, Bert Laforge,
Charles Neveu, Roland Michaud & Ken Eagle. (Taken picture,
Donald Parent, Region 4 – Trapper Education Coordinator).
Warning Poster Available for
Download
Trappers who would like to warn
the general public that fur harvesting is taking place in
their area can now download and print the poster below. The
posters can be used in those areas where, although it is
legal to trap, there may be a chance that non trappers may
frequent from time to time to walk their pets. The poster is
in PDF format and you will need Adobe Reader to open and
print the poster. You can download Reader by clicking this
link. Download Adobe Reader
Click
Here To Download Poster
Restraining Traps Certified for
Raccoon
Canadian Trappers will have a
couple of more options for this season in regards to available
traps for raccoon. Two dog proof restraining traps, the
Duffer's Dog Proof and the Lil' Griz Getter have both been
approved and certified for use on the line for raccoon. They
will give trappers some options on different types of sets and
locations than would be possible with bodygrips. Provincial
regulations must still be followed in regards to legal setting
distances, however, they will be ideal for locations where
trappers previously passed up setting bodygrips because of the
risk of dogs running at large. The Duffer's and Lil' Griz are
more money than 160s and 220s, they start at about $20 each
depending on where they are purchased and may require a
setting tool.
Trapping Stories & Articles
We like to keep things
interesting here on the NBTFHF Website. Trappers love to hear
and read about other trappers experiences out on the line.
Whether its about your first season, favourite set, a funny
experience, tips and tricks or any other trapping related
subject, we'd love to put it on the site. No need to worry
about spelling, punctuation or grammar, we can edit it and fix
it up like you were the Teacher's Pet in English class. If you
have a few pictures to go along with it, even better, send
them along too.
Send your stories &
articles to the NBTFHF Webmaster by Clicking here.
Fatal Coyote Attack In Nova Scotia
A 19-year-old folk singer from Toronto has died after being
attacked by two coyotes in Cape Breton Highlands National
Park.
Taylor Josephine Stephanie
Luciow, who went by the stage name Taylor Mitchell, died
overnight at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. She
had been on tour in the Maritimes.
Mitchell was hiking on the
Skyline Trail when she was attacked Tuesday afternoon. She
was taken to the hospital in Cheticamp, then airlifted to
Halifax in critical condition.
Park officials said Mitchell
was walking the trail alone. They said other hikers managed
to scare off the coyotes and call 911.
An RCMP officer shot at one
of the animals but couldn't find the body. Later Tuesday
evening, park staff located another coyote and killed it.
Derek Quann, the park's resource conservation manager, said
he doesn't know whether it was one of the ones involved in
the attack. He said there were no signs on the animal's body
that it had been shot.
Quann said he believes there
are five or six coyotes in the area. Park staff were still
trying to track down the other coyote involved in the attack
Wednesday.
"One of the individuals may
be dead now and may have gone off into the woods and died
after some distance," said Quann.
Germaine LeMoine, a Parks
Canada spokeswoman, said the hunt for the second coyote
would go "around the clock." The trail where the attack
happened has been barricaded.
LeMoine said even if a second
animal is found and killed, the trail would not be opened
until officials could conclude they had both coyotes
involved in the attack and the trail was safe for the
public.
The NBTFHF with funding from the
NB Wildlife Trust Fund is carrying out a Marten Nesting Box
project in New Brunswick forests. NB Trappers are placing the
nest box in areas that Marten inhabit but may not have many
suitable nesting locations. It is hoped that with the aid of
the nest boxes, Marten will remain in the area and use the
boxes for nesting locations, enhancing a healthy population of
Marten in the province. Click here to read more on the Marten
Nesting Box Project.
European Union Votes To Ban Seal
Products
HARPER GOVERNMENT WILL DEFEND
CANADA’S
HUMANE AND SUSTAINABLE SEAL HUNT ON THE WORLD STAGE
OTTAWA – The Government of Canada today expressed its deep
disappointment, concern, and opposition to the vote by the
European Parliament to move towards a ban on products from
Canada’s humane and sustainable seal hunt.
“The decision by the European Parliament lacks any basis in
facts,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries
and Oceans. “The Canadian seal hunt is guided by rigorous
animal welfare principles which are internationally recognized
by independent observers. I once again caution my European
counterparts about the dangers of pursuing politically
motivated bans on other countries’ traditional industries. Our
government will stand up for the jobs and communities that
depend on the seal hunt.”
“If the EU imposes a trade ban on seal products it must
contain an exemption for any country, like Canada, that has
strict guidelines in place for humane and sustainable sealing
practices," said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of
International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.
"If there is no such acceptable exemption, Canada will
challenge the ban at the World Trade Organization (WTO).”
The Government of Canada is studying the exact wording of the
proposed regulation and will take appropriate action to
protect the Canada’s sealing industry and continue to defend
the interests of Canadian sealers. It will also continue to
work with provincial, territorial and industry partners to
maintain access to other markets for seal products and to
identify and build new markets.
“A European ban would have a devastating impact on thousands
of Canadian families in remote coastal communities who rely on
the seal hunt for 25 to 35 per cent of their annual income,”
added Minister Shea. “In these difficult economic times the
impact of such a loss is even more serious and many families
will have to make tough decisions about their future if access
to the European market is lost.”
The European Parliament’s proposed ban cannot become law until
it has been adopted by the Council of the European Union,
which represents the member states. Ministers Shea and Day
announced that the Government of Canada will continue to
aggressively counter the misinformation campaign being waged
by professional anti-seal hunt lobby groups in order to ensure
that the decision of the Council would be based on accurate
information.
Enjoy talking trapping
with other trappers?
Why not check out the
Canadian Trapper Talk Forums! Over 700 trappers from all
across Canada, the USA and around the world are already
members and visit the site regularly. Pick up some tips
& tricks, new sets, fur handling methods or just shoot
the breeze. Besides the the forums/message boards, the
site also features a chat room where you can chat live
with other trappers. Click on the logo above to visit
the site.
Fur Pick Up Dates for 2016 - 2017
Season
Fur Harvesters Auction
Agent - John Richard's Schedule
North American Fur Auctions
Agent - Furafee Trading Schedule
Did you know the November Full Moon
is called "Beaver Moon"?
Watch the video from Farmers Almanac and see why!
Skunk Odour Removal Solution
Getting the smell of skunk off
your dog or even yourself can be very difficult.
Fortunately, there is a solution that works very well and can
me made with ingredients found right in your home. The
ingredients are:
1 Litre of Hydrogen Peroxide
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon of Liquid Dish
Soap
Mix the ingredients well and apply
with a sponge or cloth making sure to keep it out of the eye
area. The mixture has proven to work very well. Trappers on
the NB Wildlife Rabies Control Program have used it many times
to remove skunk odour successfully. It was also tested on an
episode of MythBusters and found to out perform all commercial
products they tested.
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