CA American Mink Hunting Guide

Also known as: Mink, American mink

The American mink is a semiaquatic species of mustelid native to North America, though human introduction has expanded its range to many parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. Because of range expansion, the American mink is classed as a least-concern species by the IUCN. The American mink was formerly thought to be the only extant member of the genus Neovison following the extinction of the sea mink (N. macrodon), but recent studies, followed by taxonomic authorities, have reclassified it and the sea mink within the genus Neogale, which also contains a few New World weasel species. The American mink is a carnivore that feeds on rodents, fish, crustaceans, frogs, and birds. In its introduced range in Europe it has been classified as an invasive species linked to declines in European mink, Pyrenean desman, and water vole populations. It is the animal most frequently farmed for its fur, exceeding the silver fox, sable, marten, and skunk in economic importance.

Life History

15, seetext Mustela vison; Vison vison; Neovison vison TheAmerican mink(Neogale vison) is a semiaquatic species ofmustelidnative to North America, though human introduction has expanded its range to many parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. Because of range expansion, the American mink is classed as aleast-concern speciesby theIUCN.[1]The American mink was formerly thought to be the only extant member of thegenusNeovisonfollowing the extinction of thesea mink(N. macrodon), but recent studies, followed by taxonomic authorities, have reclassified it and the sea mink within the genusNeogale, which also contains a fewNew Worldweaselspecies.[3]The American mink is acarnivorethat feeds on rodents, fish, crustaceans, frogs, and birds. In itsintroducedrange in Europe it has been classified as aninvasive specieslinked to declines inEuropean mink,Pyrenean desman, andwater volepopulations. It is the animal most frequently farmed for its fur, exceeding thesilver fox,sable,marten, andskunkin economic importance.[4] The American mink is a carnivorous animal that feeds onrodents, fish,crustaceans,amphibians, and birds. It killsvertebrateprey by biting the back of the head or neck, leavingcaninepuncture marks 9–11 mm (0.35–0.43 in) apart.[25]The American mink often kills birds, including larger species likeseagullsandcormorants, by drowning. In its natural range, fish are its primary prey. Although inferior to theNorth American river otterin hunting fish,AudubonandBachmanonce reported seeing a mink carrying a foot-longtrout. Mink inhabiting theprairiesloughs primarily target frogs,tadpoles, and mice.[26]It is a formidable predator ofmuskrats, which are chased underwater and killed in their own burrows. Among the rodents killed by the American mink in its native range are rats and mice of thegeneraHesperomys,Microtus,Sigmodon, andNeotoma.Marsh rabbitsare frequently taken in marshy or swampy tracts.[27] InTartaria, the American mink's most important food items arevoles, fish, crustaceans, frogs, and aquatic insects. In winter, aquatic foods predominate, while land-based prey increases in importance during the spring. Within theAltai Mountains, the American mink feeds predominantly on mammals such as rodents, shrews, and moles, as well as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Among the 11 different bird species preyed upon by minks in Altai aredippersandpine grosbeaks. Among fish, small species predominate in the diet of minks in Altai, and includeminnows,gudgeons, and wide-headedsculpins. In theSverdlovskandIrkutsk Oblasts, mouse-like rodents are their most important foods, followed by birds, fish and insects. In theRussian Far East, where crustaceans are scarce, the American mink feeds extensively onamphipods.[28]In theBritish Isles, dietary composition varies seasonally and regionally.European rabbitsare the most commonly taken prey in areas where they are common, especially in summer. A range of small rodents and insectivores are preyed upon, but to a lesser degree.European haresare occasionally attacked. Minks in Britain prey on several bird species, with ducks,moorhens, andcootsbeing most frequently targeted on lakes and rivers, whilegullsare taken in coastal habitats. Marine species preyed upon in Britain includeEuropean eels, rock-pool fish such asblenny,shore crabsandcrayfish.[29]American minks have been implicated in the decline of thewater volein the United Kingdom and linked to the decline of waterfowl across their range in Europe. They are now considered vermin in much of Europe and are hunted for the purpose ofwildlife management.[30]In South America'sCape Horn Biosphere Reserve, mammals, including both native and exotic rodents, are the American mink's main prey throughout the year, though birds are of equal importance during their summer nesting periods.[31] The American mink may pose a threat to poultry. According toClinton Hart Merriam[32]andErnest Thompson Seton,[33]although the American mink is a potential poultry thief, it is overall less damaging than thestoat. Unlike the stoat, which often engages insurplus killing, the mink usually limits itself to killing and eating one fowl during each attack. Studies in Britain indicate poultry and game birds only constitute 1% of the animals' overall diets;[29]small mammals, especially rabbits, tend to dominate, followed by fish and birds, especiallymoorhensandcoots.[34]

Hunting Season

Furbearer season. Typically Nov - Mar. Check current CDFW regulations for specific dates.

References

• California — American Mink