NH Fisher jaw bone submissions explained.
New regulations were recently passed regarding the New Hampshire fisher trapping season. As of last year, the lower portion of jaw bone from each trapped Fisher in New Hampshire must be submitted to the state during fur sealing for this species. The purpose of such is to gather more data and insight into this species, and a wealth of statistical biological data can be attained from tissue and material stored in each animal’s jaw.
Questions have been raised by citizens regarding the proper process for submitting fisher jawbones from trapped individuals during the season as required, so at the request of NH Fish & Game staff, the NHTA has developed a brief guide on proper protocol for fisher jaw bone submission.
Fisher Hunting season runs from Dec. 1 – Jan. 31
Fisher Trapping season runs from Dec. 1 – Dec. 31
Per state rule, sealing of fisher hides is required within 10 days of the close of each season. The lower jaw of fisher must be submitted at the time of sealing. The season limit is 2 fisher per trapper/hunter.
The animal’s full skull is not required to be submitted, and the rule only applies to submission of the lower jaw.
The lower jaw can be prepared and submitted as outlined below:
The lower jaw can be submitted by either removing the full portion of lower jaw from the rest of the skull by separating the tissue that connects the lower jaw to the skull (see Fig. 1). Alternatively, the portion of lower jaw desired by biologists can be separated with a pair of loppers or snips (as shown in Fig. 2).
Figure 1 - The full portion of a lower jawbone from a Fisher. Note the area pointed out by the blade of snips in the image, depicting the cutting area for the desired portion of jawbone needing to be submitted.
Figure 2 - The portion of fisher jawbone desired by the NH Fish & Game Department. This portion can be cut from the rest of the specimen with a pair of loppers or snips.
The NHTA wishes to thank all licensed trappers and furbearer hunters for their assistance and compliance in fisher jaw bone submittals. The trove of information gathered as a result will undoubtedly assist with the future conservation of Fisher in New Hampshire and help ensure continued healthy populations of this species for decades to come. Any questions regarding the parameters of season regulations, rules, or jawbone submission can be directed to the NH Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3421.
