Iowa’s furbearer season begins November 1, and state wildlife experts say most species populations are in good shape.
“Most species are trending higher, except for gray fox and possibly muskrats,” said Vince Evelsizer, furbearer and wetland biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “We do have some indicators that the muskrat population might be higher this year because of water in the wetlands from early spring rains and the huts are showing up.”
Water levels vary across the state, but in general, marshes, streams and rivers are better than last year. “A lot of north Iowa marshes have water in them, which bodes well for species like muskrats, and the weather outlook is favorable heading into the first two weeks of the season. We’re not expecting freeze up for water trappers,” he said.
Roughly 15,000 Iowans participate in the fur harvest season, and that number has been fairly steady since 2020.
Iowa has seen an uptick in trapping interest, thanks to the Iowa Trappers Association, Iowa DNR’s Hunter Ed Program, and DNR Law Enforcement Officers Evelsizer said.
“The Iowa Trappers Association has been hosting beginning trapper workshops, conventions, and ‘how to’ trapping videos. We’re finding that the motivation to attend these workshops is to learn trapping skills, get outdoors, and understand predator management.”
As far as the market goes, prices are similar to last year with a few upticks for badgers, wild mink and striped skunk.
“Each year is different, but indications are that the fur market will be fairly similar to last year, with the potential for demand of certain pelts to change during the season like we saw with striped skunk last year,” he said.
As far as other species, the coyote population is stable to slightly increasing across the state, and bobcat and otters are doing well. The raccoon population is variable due to distemper outbreaks, but stable to slightly increasing overall.
“We encourage everyone to review the trapping regulations, be responsible, ethical trappers, and have a safe trapping season,” Evelsizer said.