A Resource Analysis Of Fur-Bearing Animals In Texas

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed a 665% increase in licenses sold to fur trappers in Texas. In 1976-77, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department initiated a program of sending questionnaires to a randomly selected sample of these trappers after each trapping season. This program continued for 5 years through the 1980-81 trapping season. Data from these surveys have been computer-coded and statistically evaluated to yield estimates of furbearer harvests and number of trappers harvesting. Results show a general increase in the number of trappers from 1976-77 to 1979-80, whereas in 1980-81 the number of trappers declined considerably. These same trends were evident with respect to fur prices. Raccoons provide the single most important economic contribution to the Texas fur industry followed by coyotes and bobcats. Trends in harvest levels may be indicative of the influence of trapping pressure and fur prices on furbearers. Possible management implications of these data are discussed.