Post by mustelameister on Nov 21, 2006 10:30:56 GMT -6
I'm finding strong 'rat populations (strong is relative here) in marshes that have one single common denominator: overhead cover.
The marsh I trapped the last couple of weeks is tough to work: it's got that woody brush-like vegetation that you can't drag a canoe through, can't hardly walk through, and stands maybe 4-6' high. The water itself is maybe a foot or two deep and then there's a soft bottom in most places.
The 'coon don't feel like plowing their way through it. Their aren't enough fish in their to make it worth the otters' worth while, and raptors would have a heck of a time nailing a 'rat trying to get through this stuff.
The only way I get through it is by wearing chest waders and dragging an otter sled behind me while wading in beaver runs. Then I hack out my own "runs" to get to distant huts.
The river I trap has fair 'rat populations in isolated pockets. What's unique about these pockets?
Again, overhead cover. But that can't be the only factor in the 'rat population tumble.
Certainly the "annual" spring flood (when did we start having "annual" spring floods?) wipes out many of the first-born. I remember the flood of '65 on the Mississippi River as a kid, but also recall local trappers (myself one of them, but the take was small compared to most) taking large number of 'rats that very next fall, so . . . makes one wonder.
What we need is a graduate student to take this project on as his/her thesis in a master's program, with proper guidance. The results would be very interesting, indeed.
The marsh I trapped the last couple of weeks is tough to work: it's got that woody brush-like vegetation that you can't drag a canoe through, can't hardly walk through, and stands maybe 4-6' high. The water itself is maybe a foot or two deep and then there's a soft bottom in most places.
The 'coon don't feel like plowing their way through it. Their aren't enough fish in their to make it worth the otters' worth while, and raptors would have a heck of a time nailing a 'rat trying to get through this stuff.
The only way I get through it is by wearing chest waders and dragging an otter sled behind me while wading in beaver runs. Then I hack out my own "runs" to get to distant huts.
The river I trap has fair 'rat populations in isolated pockets. What's unique about these pockets?
Again, overhead cover. But that can't be the only factor in the 'rat population tumble.
Certainly the "annual" spring flood (when did we start having "annual" spring floods?) wipes out many of the first-born. I remember the flood of '65 on the Mississippi River as a kid, but also recall local trappers (myself one of them, but the take was small compared to most) taking large number of 'rats that very next fall, so . . . makes one wonder.
What we need is a graduate student to take this project on as his/her thesis in a master's program, with proper guidance. The results would be very interesting, indeed.