As stewards of our State’s fish, wildlife, and marine resources, the Fish & Game Commissioners have put forth a wise rule package that allows hunters, anglers and trappers the opportunity to enjoy our unique landscapes and participate in traditions our Federation’s more the 40,000 constituents hold dear while maintaining healthy animal populations.

Some have complained fox take numbers were not reduced after an analysis of a very limited set of trapping data showed a decline in fox populations. Many believe the decrease in fox take is from a lack of hunting and trapping participation, not dreadfully low fox population levels. Sportspeople simply asked if more data could be collected before hunting and trapping rules were changed. Thankfully the Fish & Game Commissioners listened to reason and chose not to alter the seasons while biologists collected additional data.For example, last year’s red fox take was 115 animals across the entire state. Considering there are 221 towns and 13 cities in New Hampshire, I would hazard a guess each town might have more than approximately 0.5 fox.

Recently a boy was bitten by a fox in the Meredith area that was later found to be rabid. Animal attacks, especially from predators such as fox, coyotes and bobcats, are occurring with more regularity. Rabies and distemper are “density dependent” and often manifest in large condensed populations of mammals. This is arguably, Mother Nature’s unpleasant way of controlling her animal populations.

We do not know how many foxes have rabies in New Hampshire due to limited funding for testing. Perhaps those that wish to severely limit trapping and hunting could fund rabies testing, much the same way Sportsmen and Sportswomen fund the Fish and Game Department.
The New Hampshire Wildlife Federation and our constituents applaud the Fish & Game Commissioners and their wise stewardship of our natural resources.