For the first time in state history, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is authorizing a regulated trapping season for the American marten, a once‑extirpated predator that now thrives in the Turtle Mountains. The season, open only to state residents, runs from Nov. 23 through Nov. 29 and allows each licensed trapper to harvest a single marten.
Research‑backed regulations
“Over 100 years later, we’re finally opening up a regulated trapping season on them,” said Stephanie Tucker, a furbearer biologist with the department. “When I say regulated, I just mean there’s some rules and regulations governing the harvest so we can ensure that the harvest is sustainable from one year to the next, and history doesn’t repeat itself.”
The department has long known martens inhabited the Turtle Mountains, but lacked sufficient data to set responsible limits. A three‑year research project, funded in 2022, focused on determining whether a harvest could be sustainable and, if so, what the season should look like. “We learned the density of martens in the Turtle Mountains here in North Dakota, and that guides our harvest regulations,” Tucker explained.
Season details and responsibilities
During the seven‑day window, each trapper may set a single trap and is limited to one marten. Trappers are urged to be conscientious, as setting multiple traps could unintentionally capture more than one animal in a night. If a marten is caught, the trapper must report the harvest within 12 hours, obtain a pelt tag, and surrender the entire carcass to the agency for scientific analysis.
“You have to report it within 12 hours and make arrangements to collect a pelt tag for that marten pelt. After you’ve skinned your marten and you get a tag for the pelt, you will have to relinquish the entire carcass to our agency so we can collect information from that carcass,” Tucker said.
Conservative approach for future seasons
The department described the inaugural season as “more conservative” while data continues to be collected. As harvest numbers and population health become clearer, officials anticipate adjusting limits to reflect a growing, stable marten population.
“As we collect more data on the population now from those harvested martens, we can cautiously move forward with the season in future years,” Tucker added.
Impact on other furbearers
With the marten season now open statewide, trappers are also permitted to harvest fishers throughout North Dakota. Previously, fisher harvest was prohibited in the Turtle Mountains, making this a notable expansion of hunting opportunities for responsible, resident trappers.
The new season reflects a broader commitment by the Game and Fish Department to balance wildlife conservation with traditional outdoor pursuits that many North Dakota families cherish. By grounding policy in rigorous scientific study and limiting participation to state residents, the department aims to protect the species while honoring the region’s hunting heritage.
How to participate
Interested residents should contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for licensing information, trap specifications, and reporting procedures. Detailed guidelines are available on the department’s website, and staff are prepared to answer questions throughout the season.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
