WV Furbearer Projects

Defending and promoting the ethical harvest of furbearers in the
State of West Virginia.

ADDRESS
P.O. Box 775
Glenville, WV 26351

CONTACT
Email: info@wvtrappers.com
Phone: (304) 916-3329

West Virginia Furbearer Projects

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has several projects open for trappers in West Virginia. By providing vital feedback for these programs, it helps the DNR monitor furbearer population for possible limit increases, and help provide information for the general well being of our state's furbearer populations.
Several of these projects are in coordination with West Virginia University graduate studies.

WVDNR Furbearer Management News

Some of the best information regarding our state's furbearers come from studies and data provided by our own WV Division of Natural Resources biologists.
Furbearer Management Newsletters are published by WVDNR especially geared toward trappers, and each issue contains a weath of information.

All WV trappers are encouraged to to participate in the Trapper's Survey. Your report can remain anonymous if you like. Click the image to view and download.

Trapper's Survey

Bobcat Study

A Home Range, Habitat & Mortality Study is underway for bobcat in an 11-county area. Trappers are needed to live-trap bobcat in these counties with foot holds or cage traps and notify WVDNR. A team of biologists will come to the trap site, process the bobcat and attach a radio collar. Participants will receive a $100 gift certificate, and the bobcat will not count against the season bag limit.
Counties included in the study are: Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph & Tucker.
Click for Details.

Fisher Study

A Genetic Health Survey is currently underway with our state's fisher population. Trappers are asked to donate a nickel size piece of hide or other tissue from trapped fisher carcasses. Freeze samples until they can be sent for study purposes.
Materials and envelopes for mailing samples can be sent to you. For information, contact Caroline Harms ceh0028@mix.wvu.edu or call (304) 293-5625, or contact Rich Rogers (304) 822-3551 or Rich.E.Rogers@wv.gov

Muskrat Study

Muskrat carcasses from West Virginia's eastern panhandle are needed for a continuing study regarding the affects of algae bloom on muskrat health and survival. Muskrat livers from all counties are also being examined to determine the rate of damage which might affect populations.
Participants should freeze the muskrat carcass, noting the location, county and date caught. Carcass pickup can be arranged by notifying Rich Rogers (304) 822-3551, or email Rich.E.Rogers@wv.gov

Otter Study

Otter carcasses harvested in the 2022-23 season are being collected to determine changes in yearly survival, reproduction and age class distribution. Participating trappers will receive a $20 gift certificate for their usable otter carcass. Freeze the carcass and note the date, location and county. Otter can be delivered to any WVDNR District office or brought to the WVTA March Fur Auction.

Spotted Skunk Study

All trappers throughout West Virginia are encouraged to report any sightings of spotted skunk. While it remains legal to trap spotted skunk, a cooperation with Frostburg (MD) University has been collaring spotted skunk in Hampshire & Pendleton Counties to help determine their population decline.

Spring/Summer 2008
Fall/Winter 2008-09
Spring/Summer 2009
Fall/Winter 2009-10
Fall/Winter 2010-11
Fall/Winter 2011-12
Fall/Winter 2013-14
Fall/Winter 2014-15
Spring/Summer 2015
Spring/Summer 2016
Spring/Summer 2017
Fall/Winter 2018-19
Summer/Fall 2019
NEW!! Winter/Spring 2023

HomeEventsJoinShopAffiliatesLinksContact