Furbearer seasons opening

Conditions are generally good for Pennsylvania's furbearer seasons, according to the Game Commission. It's an assessment that is confirmed by local trappers and hunters.

The general trapping season for coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks and weasels, continues through Feb. 17. The season for mink and muskrats is Nov. 17 to Jan. 6; beavers, Dec. 26 to March 31.

Raccoon hunting season continues through Feb. 16. There is an open season on skunks, possums and weasels runs from July 1 to June 30, except for Sundays.

Red and gray foxes hunting season runs through Feb. 16, including Sundays. Coyotes have a year-'round season and can be hunted on Sundays, too.

Pennsylvania also has bobcat hunting and trapping seasons for the 1,010 individuals who were selected by drawing. That season continues through Feb. 17.

Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said trapping and hunting are important wildlife management tools.

"Pennsylvania depends on trappers and hunters to manage its furbearer resources," Roe said. "They have helped to reduce our susceptibility to wildlife diseases such as rabies and mange, as well as problems with crop and property damage caused by furbearers."

Sagging fur prices spurred a decline in the ranks of furtakers nationwide in the 1990s. Furbearer harvests across the board have since increased, but not to pre-1990s levels. Last year, Pennsylvania's furbearer harvest increased by about 25 percent.

Pelt prices fluctuate as speculators try to corner markets and unanticipated demands drive prices up for limited pelts. The market is influenced by fashion and the needs of garment-makers internationally.

Average prices paid for Pennsylvania furbearers in 2006 were: raccoon, $12.88 ($17.50 in 2005); red fox, $20.84 ($20.36); gray fox, $43.84 ($26.54); coyote, $20.02 ($24.50); muskrat, $3.20 ($6.10); mink, $12.88 (17.42); skunk, $4.04 ($4.50); opossum, $2.45 ($5.05); and beaver, $22.14 ($17.18).

Increasing interest in predator calling, the bobcat seasons and growing coyote populations, along with new opportunities, such as the legalization of cable restraints for foxes and coyotes, also have encouraged more hunters and trappers to take another look at furtaking seasons.

Still, the Game Commission said trapping has lost favor because of the difficulties associated land access, plus increased equipment and transportation costs,

Over the past 30 years, beavers and coyotes have been expanding their range, primarily from northern counties south. Left unchecked, beavers would cause tremendous property damage and could adversely affect the quality of drinking water. Coyotes would cause even more problems for livestock and pets.