Results of Transplanting Fishers in Montana

Abstract

Thirty-six live fishers (Martes pennanti), caught in central British Columbia, were released at three sites in western Montana in 1959 and 1960 in an effort to reestablish the species where it had been extirpated. Seven of these animals were recaptured at various intervals as long as 73 months after release. Analysis of the carcasses showed evidence of normal reproduction. Fourteen untagged animals, which probably represent progeny of the transplanted animals, have also been caught. Tentatively, it appears that at least one of the transplants was successful. The fisher once occurred in western Montana. W. S. Gibb and D. Stevenson reported a few animals trapped in what is now Glacier National Park prior to 1911 (Bailey 1918:90). A few track records in succeeding years remain unauthenticated (Hagmeier 1965:156). Newby and McDougal (1964:487), in discussing the status of the wolverine in Montana, say that no authentic recent fisher records exist in Montana, this despite intensive surveys of the furbearers by the Montana Fish and Game Department. Fletcher E. Newby, Fur Biologist, Montana Fish and Game Department, 195158, states (personal communication): During the fur work of the 1950's, I talked with every fur dealer in the state many times. The occurrence of fisher was discussed with all that had some knowledge of the animal. A few of the older dealers had handled fisher pelts, but the most recent occurrence they could recall was in the 1920's. While the closed season on fishers would tend to suppress reports of captures, it is evident from our experience since the 1959-60 releases that some captures would come to our attention had there been any. In 1959 Vernon D. Hawley, Fur Biologist, Montana Fish and Game Department, 1958-61, working with Newby, planned the 1 A contribution from Montana Fish and Game Department Federal projects W49R, W71R, University of Montana, and the U. S. Forest Service. transplants and made arrangements for acquiring the fishers with the British Columbia Game Branch, Department of Recreation and Conservation. The Forest Service had special interest in the transplants because Cook and Hamilton (1957) had indicated that fishers preyed extensively on porcupines. The Montana Fish and Game Department wished to reestablish the fisher because of its value as a furbearer. Benson (1959) reported the probable success of a fisher reintroduction in Nova Scotia using game farm fishers for the transplant stock. He indicated they remained quite rare but were reproducing and extending their range. Areas chosen for stocking were thought to be ecologically suitable for fishers and had relatively low densities of martens (Martes americana). Live-trapped fishers w re caught by commercial trappers in central British Columbia and imported to Montana. The first transplant of 9 fishers was made in the Pink Creek Drainage of Lincoln County (Fig. 1-A) during March, 1959. The second release of 15 was near Holland Lake, Missoula County (Fig. 1-B) during April, 1959, and January, 1960. The third release of 12 was at Moose Lake, Granite County (Fig. 1-C) during February, 1960. Before release, fishers were held in cages until they could be examined and treated for injuries. They were also sexed,