Team Fur News
Jane Doe
By FUR-FISH-GAME Editor, John D. Taylor
Jane Doe was a young-of the-year whitetail fawn who wore a blue baling twine necklace when I first met her. She came to hold a special spot in the hearts of the neighborhood. Photo: Nancy Whitin
She showed up last August outside my office window. I caught movement out of the corner of my eye, and when I turned to look, there stood a very young whitetail doe, probably the product of May’s fawn drop. She was eating grass and forbs in the lawn. Last summer was wet, the vegetation still quite green, here in typically brown, August-dry western South Dakota.
It was the second thing I noticed about her that stood out, however. She wore blue string necklace around her throat. It was blue baling twine, and it looked to be cinched pretty tight. I called my wife, Nancy, over to the window for a look-see, and she came up with the name Jane Doe.
One part of me wanted to humanely dispatch this doe. That baling twine, if it remained on her, and that seemed likely, would eventually kill her. I wondered if it might have been part of an impromptu rancher’s snare. Our 10 acres of “horse property” on the north end of a development that includes about 50 other homes, most of them on much smaller lots in the valley, abuts several large cattle ranches. If you were to go out our back door and travel due north, you’d encounter nothing but ranches clear to the North Dakota line, and probably well beyond that, too. I imagined an angry rancher seeing Jane nibbling on his costly hay, trying to catch her with a baling twine snare.
Problem with this was idea was if the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks ever got wind of me dispatching a deer without permission or a tag, I’d be in deep trouble, despite it being essentially an act of mercy. No hunting for John for a year or better, probably. In all honesty, I sincerely doubt that anyone hearing a gunshot in our neck of the prairie would really care or rat me out. Still, I love to hunt way too much to go down that road.
Another idea was that she was stealing hay, yes, but got herself snarled in the twine. Dumb whitetails. While I love to hunt and eat them, and I respect the big old bucks and old does, I have far more respect for mule deer than whitetails. Whitetails freak out and run like banshees when they encounter a potential threat. That works in a wooded forest. Put something between you and the threat. Makes sense.
But out here where the deer and the antelope play, that just makes them seem schizophrenic. Mule deer, on the other hand, when they spot a potential threat, they check it out, then decide how to handle it. They might stot away, slip down into the next draw, or simply keep watching. They’re cool-headed characters. And I like that. I’d call them “smarter” than whitetails. Maybe better adapted would be a more appropriate term.
A third thought was we ought to try to get that baling twine off Jane’s neck. We walked over to the front door. Amazingly, neither English setter – 13-year-old Ellen or 12-week-old Theo – were all that interested in Jane. We slowly opened the wooden door, then the storm door. Jane just stood there, looking, not more than 10 yards away. When we approached her – I didn’t have a clue how to get that baling twine “necklace” off – she slowly walked away, unafraid, yet cautious.
Over the next several weeks, we kept Jane in our thoughts.
Either a neighbor managed to get her baling twine necklace off, or she got lucky and removed it herself. Because the next time we saw her, she was without it. Neighbors saw her, too.
I encountered her one September morning on the 5:30 a.m. mile walk of the dogs and I did every morning. She actually came up to us in the darkness, sniffing, and touched noses with Theo. Had he not been so rambunctious – I think he wanted to greet her in proper canine rump sniffing style – she might have done the same with Ellen.
As fall continued, we kept looking for her.
Meanwhile, deer bodies accumulated on 5-mile-long, gravel, Elk Creek Road that leads back into “Dry Creek Estates,” where we live. (Why they called it that doesn’t make sense. Antelope Creek, which flows through the development, has live water, flowing regularly. And our property is a double-wide manufactured house, certainly not “estate” worthy, although sometimes, just to be cool, I drink my coffee with my pinky extended.) Just before deer season, I counted five dead whitetails in various states of decomposition along a mile-long stretch of the road.
The speed limit on Elk Creek Road is 50 mph. Yet I’ve been passed by crazy drivers, including a pair of jerks in two Washington state-licensed vehicles, going 65, maybe 70 mph on this gravel road. What was their hurry? There’s nothing in the development but homes. And one morning, the setters and I almost got creamed by a woman driving a blue crossover SUV. It was six inches between the dogs and I and her vehicle. She was staring at her cell phone, not driving, not paying attention. As a result, I switched walking routes.
Two of those dead deer were young whitetail fawns. I worried one of them might be Jane. Antelope Creek’s riparian zone supports a healthy whitetail herd, so I wasn’t too surprised to see deer hit by autos. But five in such a short strip? That didn’t seem right. And there was no auto debris, smashed headlight glass, fenders or plastic parts where the deer were hit. Even at night, if drivers were going the speed limit, I couldn’t understand how someone couldn’t see deer on the road or along its edge. Everything is open prairie except one small strip of cane crops. With halogen, even old-fashioned headlamp bulbs, the road on the darkest night is well lit. I’ve avoided deer collisions going 70 on blacktopped roads, mostly because I’m paying attention. For someone to cream a deer, they’d have to not be looking or do it on purpose. The idea of some jerk in a jacked-up pickup with a heavy grill guard creaming Jane just for the “fun” of it really ticked me off. Better to have a 12-year-old shoot her and change his life for the better than be run over by a jerk.
Mid-November’s deer season came, and I figured Jane would be history given her apparent fondness for hay and lack of fear around people. Yet early one late December morning, when Nancy was taking care of the chickens and chukars in their coops, she felt a nose bump her elbow. There stood Jane, eating wind-blown hay from the round bales for our horses.
Jane sightings and sign in the yard continued sporadically through winter. Jane visited us but seemed to prefer hanging out around the two 10-acre horse properties on the hill to the east of us. I’d see her on Justice Road around those houses and barns, encountered her coming out of the roadside ditch to greet us while walking the dogs.
A “tame” whitetail is not a natural thing. We hear large packs of coyotes howling in the hills surrounding our home. I wondered if Jane, hanging around homes and people, found a way to avoid them, as well as cars and people in camo or orange for at least one season. All those who have seen her seem to enjoy having Jane around. She certainly seems to have cornered the market on horse property deer life – free hay, maybe grain, and no predators. So, in that respect she’s one smart little whitetail. I’d like to think that maybe someday, she’d be the mother of a big buck that will make a hunter’s day. If she fell to a hunter’s rifle or bow, that would be okay, too, especially if it was a kid’s first deer.
Yet the thought of some inconsiderate fool staring at a cell phone while attempting to drive or a cruel person running over her for the idiotic “joy” of it haunts me, too. I know all this is out of my hands. The world is what it is. But I can hope.
Florida Approves Trapping Changes for 2027
Florida trappers will face new rules in 2027. Photo: David Tadevosian/Shutterstock
In February, Commissioners of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to approve final proposed rule amendments to wildlife trapping rules. The changes will be effective December 31, 2026. These rule changes address allowed trap types, design specifications, placement, check times and disposition of captured wildlife. The changes more closely align with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ best management practices, which ensure that trapping is humane, species-specific and effective. “These updates modernize Florida’s trapping rules and reflect decades of advancements in research and technology since the rules were last revised,” said FWC Chief Conservation Officer, George Warthen. With few exceptions, these changes require annual registration and training at no cost for anyone using traps to capture wildlife. All registered trappers will also be required to submit an annual report about their trapping activities. Visit MyFWC.com/TrappingRules.
Montana Seeks Information Moose Poached Near Bozeman
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is looking for information about who poached a moose near Bozeman.
Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information on a bull moose that was shot and killed along Middle Cottonwood Trail near Bozeman. FWP received a report on Jan. 28 of the dead moose about 2 miles up the trail. FWP staff found the moose carcass intact, though its antlers had shed naturally, with a single fatal bullet wound. Middle Cottonwood Trail is on the west side of the Bridger Range, just north of Bozeman. Anyone with possible information about this incident is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov to provide details. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Rare Flower Readies For Spring Blooms
Yellow fumewort spends the winter with its leaves on and then blooms pale, yellow flowers in April.
A rare late winter flower – yellow fumewort – is living its best life in parts of southwest Michigan. This plant avoids competition by completing its life cycle in late winter, when there is less crowding and shade from other plants.?It sprouts from seed in August and grows leaves that look similar to Dutchman’s breeches in the fall as the daylight shortens, said DNR endangered species biologist Amy Bleisch. Yellow fumewort spends the winter with its leaves on and then blooms pale, yellow flowers in April.?After setting seeds, the plant dies, and the next generation grows again in the fall. Yellow fumewort (Corydalis flavula) is listed as threatened in Michigan, meaning it could become endangered. The flower is currently present in just Berrien, Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties, but once thrived in the entire Kalamazoo River floodplain. Yellow fumewort lives on forested stream slopes and bluffs throughout its range, which stretches from Rhode Island to Florida and Michigan to Louisiana. Yellow fumewort is one of more than 400 species of threatened or endangered plants, fish and animals. Many species are rare because they can live only in specific habitats. Learn more about Michigan’s rare plants and animals on the Michigan Natural Features Inventory’s website – https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu – which includes pictures, management recommendations and basic natural history, or contact Amy Bleisch at (517) 449-4630.
Wisconsin 2026 Public Access Lands Atlas Available
Wisconsin’s 2026 Public Access Lands Atlas is now available in several formats.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) 2026 Public Access Lands Atlas is now available for purchase at the University of Wisconsin Bookstore From state natural areas to state trails, lakeshores to rivers, Wisconsin has a wealth of public lands for everyone to enjoy. Updated every two years, the Public Access Lands Atlas can be purchased from the University of Wisconsin Bookstore for $104.95. The Atlas contains 441 maps covering statewide public lands, roads and waterways. These maps make it easy to locate a state park, county forest or lake for a hike, hunting or fishing outing. Atlas information and maps can also be accessed by DVD ($5.95), individual county booklets ($29.95), a downloadable county PDF maps (free), or via the Public Access Lands online mapping application (free). Visit the WDNR's Public Access Lands webpage, https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fl/RealEstate/PAL, to learn more, download maps or launch the online mapping application.
715 Bald Eagles Reported during Ohio’s January Count
A midwinter citizen survey of bald eagles counted 715 birds. Photo: Richard Lee/Unsplash
Ohio’s bald eagle population has dramatically increased in recent years. A 2025 bald eagle nest census found 964 active nests in Ohio, a significant increase from the 707 nests found during the 2020 nest census. Nests were counted in 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties in 2025. Also, a midwinter citizen survey of bald eagles counted 715 birds thanks to 391 separate reports from January 7 through 21, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Over 15 days, the agency received observations of 592 adult and 123 immature eagles. ODNR thanks everyone who submitted an eagle sighting on the Wildlife Reporting System. The 10 counties with the most eagles reported were: Delaware (26 eagles observed), Franklin (26), Erie (24), Lucas (20), Ross (20), Sandusky (20), Huron (18), Muskingum (18), Knox (17) and Wood (16). Bald eagles in Ohio typically lay and incubate eggs in February and March, nesting in large trees such as sycamores, beeches, oaks, and cottonwoods. Eagles can be spotted in all 88 Ohio counties. Lake Erie and other large waterbodies host the highest number of eagles because they provide easy access to food resources. Excellent viewing opportunities can be found at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (Lucas and Ottawa counties), Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area (Sandusky County), Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve (Erie County), Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area (Trumbull County), and Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area (Wyandot and Marion counties). In southern Ohio, look near major rivers such as the Muskingum, Hocking, Scioto, and Great Miami. Bald eagles are protected under both state law and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, making it illegal to disturb bald eagles. When viewing these majestic birds, remember to respect the bird’s space and stay at least 100 yards away. Disturbing bald eagles at the nest site could lead the pair to abandon the eggs.
North Dakota Spring Light Goose Conservation Order
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Hunters can hunt light geese through May 10 in North Dakota. Photo: Richard Lee/Unsplash
North Dakota’s spring light goose conservation order began Feb. 21 and continues through May 10. To hunt light geese, residents must have a 2025-26 (valid through March 31) or 2026-27 (required April 1) combination license; or a small game, and general game and habitat license. The 2026-27 license is available for purchase beginning March 15. In addition, all hunters need an electronic waterfowl restoration stamp. Nonresidents need a $50, 2026 spring light goose conservation order license, valid statewide. A federal duck stamp is not required for either residents or nonresidents. Yet, like residents, nonresidents also need an electronic waterfowl restoration stamp. The spring conservation order is only open to light geese – snows, blues and Ross’s. Species identification is important because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The conservation order is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds. Also, hunters must register annually with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) prior to hunting in each state. The HIP number obtained for North Dakota’s spring conservation order is also valid for North Dakota’s fall hunting season. The number can be obtained on the Game and Fish website. Resident and nonresident licenses are available online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
New York Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Exams Begin
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation is offering an online exam for people who’d like to become a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator. Photo: Mark Ma/Unsplash
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has a new online exam for people seeking to become licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs). DEC is offering these examinations online and free of charge.A NWCO is a person at least 18 years of age who is authorized to take/trap, transport, and release wildlife whenever an animal becomes a nuisance, destroys property, or threatens public safety. Licensed individuals can conduct these activities for commercial purposes or as an employee of a municipality. Applicants are not required to be a resident of New York State to receive a NWCO license. The two-hour exam can be completed any time between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on the assigned dates: April 17, May 15, June 26, July 17, August 14, November 6 and December 11. Registration is required the day before the exam. All exams will be online, visit https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/fish-wildlife-plant/special-licenses/nuisance-wildlife-control. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. For questions or assistance please email SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov or call (518) 402-8985
North Dakota Offers Wildlife Food Plot Seed
North Dakota’s Game and Fish Department has free seed for landowners interested in planting wildlife food plots for pheasants and other wildlife.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) is again offering free seed for the 2026 growing season to landowners interested in planting wildlife food plots for pheasants and other wildlife species. Rather than a traditional corn or sunflower food plot, NDGF is offering a seed mix that provides increased plant diversity, including flowering plants from spring through fall, which will attract insects, an important diet for pheasant chicks. Additionally, the mix will provide needed cover during spring and summer, as well as a winter food source. The food plot campaign doesn’t require a department Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) contract, however, participating landowners are encouraged to allow reasonable public access. This could mean simply providing permission to hunters from time to time, utilizing custom dates in electronic posting, putting up “Ask Before You Enter” signs around the area, or not posting the surrounding land. Additionally, participating landowners cannot charge a fee for hunting. The department will provide enough seed to cover up to a maximum 5-acre planting at no cost to the landowner. Landowners interested in receiving seed must sign up online by April 3. Seed will be available in May at Game and Fish offices in Bismarck, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Harvey, Dickinson, Williston and Riverdale. Visit https://gf.nd.gov/private-lands/landowner-programs/food-plots-seed-promotion for more information.
Wisconsin Seeks Volunteer Campground Hosts
Campground host opportunities are available at WDNR
properties across the state. Photo: Dave Hoefler/Unsplash
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is seeking volunteers who like spending time outside, helping other outdoor enthusiasts and are passionate about Wisconsin’s natural resources to serve as volunteer campground hosts. Opportunities are available at WDNR properties across the state. Responsibilities of campground hosts can include: Greeting and assisting campers with information about the park and facilities. Assisting in daily campground operations and setting an example by being a model camper. Cleaning campsites, bathrooms and facilities and assisting with other light maintenance. Sharing park information and assisting with campground programs. In addition to general campground host openings, the DNR is seeking equestrian campground hosts at Governor Knowles State Forest, Kettle Moraine State Forest’s northern and southern units, and Wildcat Mountain State Park. Openings for both general and equestrian campground host opportunities are available from May through November, with dates varying by property. Hosts stay in a campsite at the campground and volunteer a few hours per day. A 1- to 2-month service period is preferred. Visit WDNR's Volunteer Opportunities webpage, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/volunteer.
West Virginia Hunters Harvest 92,553 Deer
West Virginia’s deer harvest was down 17% from 2024’s bag due to abundant mast and hemorrhagic disease in western counties. Photo: Joe Cox/Unsplash
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) says state hunters harvested 92,553 whitetails during the 2025-2026 seasons, a 17% decrease from 2024’s harvest of 111,646 and 14% below the five-year average of 107,434. The decreased deer harvest reflects the impact of abundant hard mast, and several western counties experienced an outbreak of hemorrhagic disease, WVDNR says. Hunters harvested 33,823 bucks during the traditional buck firearm season, 25,453 antlerless deer during all antlerless firearm seasons, 29,654 deer during the urban and regular archery/crossbow seasons, 3,102 deer during the muzzleloader season and 501 deer during the Mountaineer Heritage season. Visit WVdnr.gov for more information.
Vermont’s Green Mountain Conservation Camp Registration is Open
Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s Green Mountain Conservation Camp program offers young people the opportunity to learn about natural resource conservation and develop outdoor skills. Photo: Maria Gigliello/VFWD
If you’re 12 to 14 years old and want to learn about Vermont's wildlife and gain outdoor skills, consider attending one of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's (VFWD) Green Mountain Conservation Camps (GMCC) this summer. Also, GMCC alums,16 or younger, might consider coming back for another summer. The one-week camp programs are held at Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury. Campers participate in hands-on learning about fish and wildlife conservation, ecology, forestry, orienteering, safe firearm and archery techniques, swimming, canoeing, fishing and more. Natural resource professionals come to the camp to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities. Conservation Camps open June 21 and continue until August 21. Tuition is $300 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment, and financial assistance is available. For more information, contact FWGMCC@vermont.gov or call 802-522-2925.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Connecticut Trappers’ Association
The Connecticut Trappers’ Association will hold a spring fur sale April 4, at the Tolland County Agricultural Center, located at 24 Hyde Avenue, in Vernon, Connecticut. Fur drop off is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CTA membership is not required to sell fur, and there is no commission. Buyers are welcome. Contact Cameron Kelsey (619) 997-2345 or Scott Kneeland (860) 234-3192.
Texas Trappers’ and Fur Harvesters’ Association
Texas Trappers’ and Fur Harvesters’ Association will hold their Spring Rendezvous April 24 and 25 at the Mashburn Event Center, located at 1100 7th NW, in Childers, Texas. Visit www.ttfha.com for more information.
Maine Trappers’ Association
The Central Maine Chapter of the Maine Trappers’ Association will hold its annual Spring Fur Auction April 26, at the Palmyra Community Center, 768 Main St., in Palmyra, Maine. Doors open at 7 a.m., the auction begins at 8 a.m. Maine wardens will be on site to tag furs. A 3% commission is charged. Contact Ted Perkins at (207) 570-6243.
New England Trappers’ Weekend will be held August 13 – 15 in Bethel, Maine. Contact Neil Olson cell - (207) 749-1179, home (207) 875-5765
Coming in our May 2026 Issue
Features
• Staying Safe With Bears - Clay Cunningham, a former NPS Ranger and biologist, shares his bear insights and tells how to avoid bear conflicts.
• Groundhog Hunting... Then And Now - Jeff Moyer has been hunting Virginia groundhogs for many years and shares how to adapt to changing land use and urbanization.
• The Real Money in Beaver Trapping - Jason Houser tells how you can maximize your beaver trapping returns.
• Trout Get The Munchies - Garhart Stephenson tells how to catch “couch potato” trout.
• Spearfishing: A Teen’s Story - Timothy Hotz’s favorite way to catch fish is to hunt them in South Dakota’s Missouri River with a speargun.
• Buzzer Beater Turkeys - Jeffrey Miller took his spring gobbler hunt down to the wire and shares how he filled his tag at the last minute.
Other Stories
• Spring Squirrel Hunting - Chase Waller tells where and how to hunt spring squirrels
• Woodstream V. Herters: A Conibear Story – Scot Dahms shares how Herter’s and Woodstream battled over selling bodygrip traps
• Spring Gobblers...Then And Now – Dave Fisher compares Pennsylvania spring gobbler hunting circa late 1960s to today’s version.
• Flowing Water Walleyes- Vic Attardo shares the joys of fishing for moving water walleyes.
• Simplify For Summer Smallmouths – Bruce Ingram strips down his smallmouth gear to three small tackleboxes and a trio of rods, you can, too.
• Keepin’ It Fresh - Gregory Lloyd looks at the foibles of spending too much time with hunting buddies.
End of the Line Photo of the Month
Michael Wingert, Woodbourne, New York
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