Muskrat Trapping on the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, New York, 1943-1948

Abstract

The annual catch, sex ratio and avg. wts. are given on a total of 31,867 muskrats trapped on the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Seneca Falls, N. Y., from 1943-1948. The peak year (1945) yielded 14,911 males and 15,001 females. The sex ratio approached 50:50 over the five-year period. During the last weeks of each trapping season more males than females were taken. The mean wt. for all animals was 1588 g. Maximum individual wts. were: male 2381 g., female 2268 g. The greatest contributing factor for the accelerated, continuous growth, huge pelt size, record weights, and the fat condition of muskrats on this refuge was the abundant supply of Typha glauca, especially the dormant young green shoots or growing points beneath the ice. With the exception of the 1945 season, from 46 to 65% of the catch each year occurred during Jan. (50% avg., 1944-1948). An avg. of 31% of the crop was taken in Feb. at which time the pelts were in excellent, prime condition and maximum size. A brief discussion is given of methods of trapping and harvesting the annual fur crop under varying conditions, and preparation of the pelts and meats for marketing.