Fisher

Martes pennanti

Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae

Other Names: Black cat, fisher cat, pekan, atchok or oochik, Wejack.

Status: Valued fur animal. Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Identifying Characteristics: Long, slender body with a typical weasel shape. A well-furred tail comprises about one-third of the animal's total length. Pointed face, rounded ears, short legs. Fur is usually black on tail, legs, and rump. Fur on head and shoulders may have a grizzled appearance resulting from tri-colored guard hairs. White patches are common around the genital area and in the axillae of the forelegs. Both males and females have paired scent glands which are used for scent-marking territories. Total length: 23 to 40 inches. Weight: 3 to 12 pounds.

Habitat: Inhabits closed canopy, mature coniferous and deciduous forest. Availability of food is an important habitat component. Large deciduous trees are often used as maternal den sites.

Food Habits: Prey items are animals associated with the coniferous forest. Will also consume carrion and plant materials. Snowshoe hares, mice, squirrels, shrews, and birds are staple foods. Famous for ability to prey on porcupines.

Life History: Active during both day and night. Most hunting takes place on the ground. Most females breed for the first time at 12 months and produce their first litter at 24 months. Breeds during March and April. Produces one litter of about 3 young per year.

Similar Species: Marten - smaller, buffy patch on throat and breast. Wolverine - has yellowish stripes on sides and rump. Red fox - has a white tip on tail.

Further Information

TRAPPING DISTRICTS 1 & 2 SEASON DATES: December 1 - February 15 of the following year. Season will close in 48 hours upon reaching the trapping district quota or on the season closure date, whichever occurs first.

Limit: Persons may take and possess one (1) fisher each per season.

Fisher Quota: Trapping District 1 has a quota of two (2) fisher. Trapping District 2 has a quota of five (5) fisher.

Trappers that accidentally capture a fisher that cannot be released uninjured must immediately notify a designated Fish, Wildlife & Parks employee for assistance to determine disposition and/or collection of the animal. It is unlawful for any person to retain possession of a furbearer after a species limit has been met, a trapping district quota has been reached, or a season is closed. (MCA 87-3-501).

Quotas: Current harvest quota information may be obtained by calling the appropriate Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office during normal business hours or by calling 1-800-711-TRAP (1-800-711-8727) 24 hours a day or the FWP website at fwp.state.mt.us. The toll free line and website are updated by 1 pm. (MST) every day. Furbearer seasons will close in 48 hours when a species quota is reached prior to the end of the regular season.

The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission has authorized the department to initiate a closure prior to reaching a quota or subquota when conditions or circumstances indicate the quota may be reached within the 48-hour closure notice period.

Reporting: Trappers are required to personally report their fisher harvest within 24 hours by calling the Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office during office hours (8 AM - 5 PM weekdays) in the trapping district where the animal was taken so that FWP can monitor quota levels. Reporting can also be made after office hours and on weekends by calling 1-406-449-1065.

Pelt Tagging: Trappers are required to personally present the pelts of fisher for tagging to a designated Fish, Wildlife & Parks employee residing in the trapping district where the animal was taken within five (5) days of harvest. Trappers or hunters unable to comply with the five day pelt tagging requirements due to special circumstances or the unavailability of local FWP personnel must still register their pelts within five days of harvest by calling the proper regional office to make arrangements for tagging by FWP personnel at a later time. Pelts not presented or registered to department personnel within 5 days are subject to confiscation.

Carcasses: It is mandatory that the entire and intact carcass of all fisher be turned into Fish, Wildlife & Parks in good condition, at the time the pelt is presented for tagging. The skulls will be retained by Fish, Wildlife & Parks for processing and examination and then returned to the owner if desired. Good condition is defined as fresh or frozen and securely wrapped in such a manner as to have prevented decomposition in order that all tissue samples are suitable for lab analysis. Any fisher pelt that is presented for tagging without the carcass in good condition shall be subject to confiscation.