Program Overview
The Furbearers and Upland Game Program is responsible for the management of various species of furbearing mammals and upland game, (i.e. snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, ringnecked pheasants and Hungarian partridge). Activities include, as required, various population and habitat surveys, biological studies, biological collections from harvested species, analysis of harvest trends and liaison with user/interest groups. The synthesis of this information provides the framework for scientifically based decisions on regulatory management of harvested species, input for species and habitat management into the Integrated Resource Management process of NS Department of Lands and Forestry, and development of policies related to the management of furbearer and upland game species. This section actively promotes continual improvement on wild furbearer harvest tools and techniques. We represent DNR as a partner with the Trappers Association of Nova Scotia in the on-going development and delivery of the Fur Harvester Education Program. We are also active at the national and international level including in the implementation of humane trapping standards, as well as research and development of improved traps and trapping techniques. We are an active participant in the Northeast Furbearer Resources Technical Committee which deals with Regional Furbearer Management issues for the Canadian provinces and U.S. states of northeastern North America and in the Canadian Furbearer Management Committee which deals with national level furbearer management issues in Canada.
Outline of Current Projects
- Bobcat Ecology
- Cape Breton Marten Augmentation Project
- Cougar Sighting Records
- Coyote Component - Deer Wintering Area Study
- Diagnosis of Sick or Dead Wildlife - Under Revision
- Effects of Mercury on Aquatic Furbearers
- Fisher Translocation and Habitat Modelling
- Furbearer and Upland Game Abundance
- Furharvester Education Program
- Hungarian Partridge Winter Census
- Hunting and Trapper Harvest Statistics
- Marten Population Status, Recovery and Monitoring
- Lynx Distribution, Movements, and Habitat Use on Eskasoni Reserve
- Lynx Population Status, Recovery & Monitoring
- Nuisance Wildlife
- Otter Habitat Use and Feeding Ecology Study
- Trap Standards
- Trappers Newsletter
- Wildlife Biology Short Courses
- Wildlife Export
- Wildlife Immobilization
Related Links
- Responsible Pet Owners, Wildlife and Traps
- Furharvesters Report Form
- Small Game and Waterfowl Report Form
- Wild Turkey Introduction Proposal
- Fur Institute of Canada
- E-MAIL: Alberta Trappers Association
- IAFWA Furbearer Resources Task Force Site
- NEFRTC Site
- National Trappers Association
- Ontario Fur Managers Federation
Contacts
- Mike O'Brien, Wildlife Manager, Furbearer and Upland Game Program
- Mike Boudreau, Human Wildlife Conflict Biologist
- Peter Austin-Smith, Project Biologist