How Many Black Squirrel Pelts Can I Harvest in Michigan For a Year?
If you are wondering how many black squirrel pelts you can harvest in Michigan for a year, you may be pleasantly surprised. This versatile species can be found almost anywhere. While the peak hunting time is late afternoon, squirrels are usually out early in the morning or late in the evening. To make the most of your time, dress in blaze orange and bring a hunting license with you. Pellets and small shotguns can also be used to take a squirrel.
Table of Contents
Gray
A successful furbearer program can produce a significant amount of fur, but not the quantity you may want. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages hunters to consider the benefits of keeping squirrels in their communities. In addition to being intelligent and mischievous, squirrels are also helpful to Michigan wildlife. “They are a very important part of Michigan ecosystems,” says Adam Bump, furbearer specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Flying
The small game season in Michigan runs from Sept. 15 to March 31. This includes the gray and black phases of the Eastern gray squirrel. A base apprentice license is required for harvesting the black phase. The squirrel’s contribution to Michigan wildlife management is essential, which is why the Michigan Wildlife Council was created. Its goal is to raise public awareness about wildlife conservation and responsible hunting.
Fox
If you are an amateur furbearer, you may wonder how many black squirrel pelts you can harvest in Michigan each year. The answer to this question is dependent on the state’s laws and regulations. While the state bans the killing of any wild animal on its land, you can harvest pelts from the black squirrels in Michigan. This wildlife is extremely beneficial to Michigan’s ecosystem and wildlife.
Southern fox
Squirrels are very mischievous and intelligent animals. While they play a role in Michigan’s ecosystems, they also pose some challenges for hunters. To get a license, you’ll need a base hunting license. This license covers small game hunting, including rabbits and pheasants. A resident license costs $6 for juniors and $11 for those age 17 and older.
Red
The small game season in Michigan runs from Sept. 15 to March 31. You must have a hunting license or base apprentice license to hunt the black phase of the Eastern gray squirrel. These critters are known for their adaptability and can survive in a variety of urban environments. Michigan is home to a large population of black squirrels. So how many black squirrel pelts can you harvest in Michigan for a year?
Two molts per year
The color of black squirrel pelts in Michigan is a variation of the gray color of the Eastern gray squirrel. Its face has white splotches and a black “badge” on either cheek. Black squirrels undergo two molts each year. They are very rare in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, but they are common in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. In Michigan, black squirrels live in Detroit, Battle Creek, and East Lans.
Number of pelts per year
There are a few things to keep in mind before you start snatching up squirrels. First, you must have a valid hunting license in Michigan. This is required to hunt squirrels and any other small game. A base apprentice license is required for black squirrel hunting. In Michigan, a black squirrel pelt is a different species than the gray squirrel, which is the gray and white one.
Identifying a squirrel
For many people, the question is: How can I tell if a black squirrel pelt is legitimate? It can be tricky to distinguish the black colored squirrel from the gray one. It can be especially tricky if you don’t know the difference between the two. They are actually the same species. Here are some tips for identifying a black squirrel pelt for harvesting in Michigan:
How many black squirrels are in Michigan?
There is no set number as the population of black squirrels is constantly changing.
Can I harvest black squirrels all year round?
No the squirrel hunting season in Michigan runs from September 1st to March 31st.
Do I need a license to harvest black squirrels?
In order to harvest any kind of wildlife in Michigan you must have a hunting license.
How many black squirrel pelts can I harvest in one day?
The daily bag limit for black squirrels is 10.
How many black squirrel pelts can I harvest in one year?
The yearly bag limit for black squirrels is 60.
How do I properly care for a black squirrel pelt?
You will need to skin the squirrel as soon as possible after harvesting and then salt and dry the hide.
What can I do with my black squirrel pelts?
You can use them for taxidermy or you can sell them to a fur buyer.
How much do black squirrel pelts usually sell for?
Prices vary but you can expect to get around $10-$15 per pelt.
Where can I find a black squirrel pelt buyer?
You can look online or in the phone book under “fur buyers”.
I want to mount a black squirrel.
What do I need to do?
You will need to skin the squirrel then salt and dry the hide.
Once the hide is dry you can stretch it over a form and mount it.
How can I tell if a black squirrel is male or female?
Males are usually larger than females and they have larger teeth.
What do black squirrels eat?
Black squirrels are omnivorous so they eat both plants and animals.
What time of year do black squirrels mate?
Black squirrels mate in the spring.
How long is the gestation period for black squirrels?
The gestation period for black squirrels is about 45 days.
How many babies do black squirrels usually have?
Black squirrels usually have 2-5 babies per litter.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
