Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Hello,

First very nice forum that I am very happy to have found.

I really need some good advice/help here. Despite, being a longtime hunter and outdoors man I recently encountered an animal here in Upstate New York that I have never seen or even heard, buteveryone in my area is refers to it as a "fisher cat" though no one has seen it.

Recently, an unknown preditor (which is suspected to be a "fisher cat") entered a local farmers barn and killed 3 cats all at once. All were decapitated and not eaten. A couple weeks later another neighbor's dog was killed by decapitation and not eaten either. The other day was my turn. What ever this thing is it is fast. It killed 6 of my guinea hens and decapitated everyone of them and did not eat any of them. All the attacks were at night time.

I have a lot more livestock as do many of my neighbors. I have never see such a destructive and seemingly dangerous animial in my live. Whatever this thing is it is fast (guine hens are super fast and this caught 6)and has a bad additude.

I would very much like to trap this thing. Does anyone have any experience trapping these things?I need as much information as you guys can provide. Live trap, claw trap, snare,? Trap placement, what type of lure.

Any help/information would be greatly appreiated.

Warm regards,
Michael

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Sounds like a fisher cat to me. They are one of the nastiest varmints to deal with. If there is not closed season, I would forget the traps and hunt the little bugger. If you need to trap, I would put a leghold trap around any entrance to your pens, or better yet, create an entrance for him to go into and load it with leg holds. You will not get rid of this animal until you kill him or he kills all of your livestock.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Hello,

Thanks for the reply I really appreciate it.

I to was thinking the same thing you suggested about placing a one way entrance into my pen.

I'm still a little embarrassed that I've spent so much time in the outdoors hunting and I've never heard or seen one of these things. Probably one of the most destructive/aggressive animals that has attacked my animals on my farm.

Any other information/suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Many thanks,
Michael

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

i dont know about fishers but i know alot of birds of prey will take heads off and leave the rest...i know owls do that frequently. they killed a bunch of my buddys ringnecks that way...

fishers certainly are a predator...i know once we started spotting them around my buddies camp the squirrel population dropped to about nothing...

one piece of advice....stay within the laws...or call your local game warden to help out...with it killing that many animals they should help...

good luck..

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Hello,

Thanks for the reply ! I certainly agree with you and initially that is what we suspected. However, the three cats that were killed and decapitated were found dead inside of an enclosed barn. Therefore, we felt it must have been something else.

This fisher cat, if that is what it is, has killed more domestic farm animals than I've ever seen. I kind of worried there is no stopping it! I'll have to go back to the nearby creek I think I found a paw print and maybe I can get a good photograph of it.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Fisher cats are indeed nasty! I wish I could help you.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

I am not convinced that it is a fisher, we have alot of them around here and I have never heard of them doing that before.

I could be wrong but look for tracks or other sign around the "crime scenes"

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Its easier to take pics when the thing is dead....

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Hello,

I'm certainly trying to keep an open mind, but it appears that everything it is killing it is killing by decapitation and not eating what it is killing.

As I stated earlier 3 cats were killed inside an enclosed barn that only something small probably could of gotton into. But, maybe different animals have been involved I don't know. Never seen anything like it before.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

I'll second that !

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Can someone post a pic of one? I have never seen or heard of em. Might not have em down here

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Nevermind I found one.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

There's a nice photograph. Thanks for posting !

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Found it doing a google search. We don't have them here. Trap it alive and send it to me :)

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Here is a link if anyone is interested in learning more about the Fisher Cat

http://home.mcn.net/~wtu/fisher.html

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

I have seen them before when hunting and they are a mean looking animal that is for sure. However I think they will stay away from areas people are commonly around. So what you have going on is strange, and I wouldn't hessitate getting a hold of a warden. Cause whatever it is you need to get rid of it.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Thanks for the very useful links ! A lot of great information. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to post them for me.

Many thanks!

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

The season for trapping thm is closed in NY. I strongly suggest contacting the DEC. Yeah I know I don't have much faith in them either but they might want to run some test on it. Fishers are just starting to make a comeback in NY the past years. I ran a small line for them but never got one. I have seen them bowhunting.

If you do trap it please use a live trap and take it somewhere else to release it. They have a slow reproduction cycle. Any type of fresh meat will bring it into a live trap. I would make sure the trap can't be tipped over though.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

I live in wisconsin trapped one a few years back. My suggestion would be a 220 conibear trap will kill it instantly like a oversized mousetrap. Use a pole set take a log about 7 feet long and lean it against a tree at about a 45 degree angle then attach the trap on the log and put some fresh meat above the trap any kind will work I would suggest beaver if you can get it it is very strong smelling and will bring it in from a ways. Using the pole set will insure that you get a fisher. Other animals like a coyote or dog will not climb the log. If you use a live trap put a couple stakes down through the top of the trap so that it can not be tipped and discise it to look natural. If you have any questions feel free to pm me and let me know how it goes.
JOE
ps if you live trap it take it a long long ways away it will just come back. they hunt about a 6 mile square area so ive heard

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

More great information that is appreciated !

I was doing a search for conibear 220 traps and I'm assuming (I'm not a trapper) that conibear is the "style" trap and there are a variety of brand name conibear traps. If so what what is the best/prefered maker of conibear traps. Also would anyone know any websites/links to purchase them.

Many thanks!

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Belisle is my favorite, but you better get a setter and a book on fisher trapping and a body grip holder for each trap.Those are screwed into a log run and the trap will stay there without all kinds of fancy wiring.minnesota trapline products should be able to take care of ya. 320-599-4176

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Thanks for the contact information! Great prices and service. I have quite a few new goodies coming in the mail ! I can't wait to get after this thing.

Steve

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

contact your local co and talk to them first and see when the season is and what they think itcould be . i have never heard of a fisher attacking cats before. I have seen several dead fishers and they are about the size of a cat so it would not be easy for one to kill several cats at once.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

and who calls them fisher cats any way?

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

??? Most internet searches/articles for fisher's will sometimes refer to them as "fisher cats". How fisher's got this nickname is beyond me?

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Fisher's IMO are uncommon here in lonely central New York. Recently there have been some sightings. I think based on the uncommon sightings and the type/way everything is being killed the "assumption" is it is a fisher.

There really are not too many other preditors to choose from here. This is a new experience for everyone around here. This thing kills at night, must be fast, doesn't eat what it kills, and pretty much decapitates everything it kills? I think it is safe to say a Coyotee would eat what it kills.

Really, what ever it is, it needs to die.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

They are more of a wolverine, but them, otters, skunks, mink, there all members of the weasle family.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

mnhunter
I just referenced my male fisher that is hanging on the wall currently. It is about 40 inches tip of tail to the nose and about 3 times the size/weight of a cat. they got a mean additude and some nasty teeth and claws and I would not put it past one to kill multiple cats.
JOE

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

ok now i want to see a picture of this thing dead... keep posting this is getting exciting!!

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

I have seen quite a few in CNY. The fartherest south I saw one was Brewerton but I have been told they are in cicero swamp.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

I really doubt it's a fisher. Chances are much higher it's a run of the mill predator like a coon, bobcat, fox etc.

First thing you need to do is call your local conservation officer. There is trapping of Marten and Fisher via special permit. Areas are shown on this map:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30442.html



I've trapped about a dozen of these for research purposes.

They are super easy to trap. We used havahart traps, whatever stinky meat you can find for bait, andskunk scent for caller.

Fisher are a member of the Mustelid family. Same family as wolverines, pine marten, otters,mink,etc...

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Thought I'd just try out my new conibear traps. They work just fine. Doc says nothing broke and my fingernail will grow back after it falls off. Can't wait to get started.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Fishers do kill a lot of cats and sometimes dogs. It happens quite frequently here in Maine. Although they will usually eat at least part of the animal they kill. They are also the only animal that can kill and eat a pocupine by rolling it onto its back without getting quilled. They usually make a mess out of their prey. Im talking insides strewn everywhere.A 220 conibear trap will work for sure IF it is a fisher... Like someone else stated earlieruse a pole set and lean the 7ft log at an angle against a tree with bait.A friend and Idid this backin ourteens and trapped quite a few. Watch out though because they are tough and nasty. If its not done right and they are caught wrong and are stillalive, IT WILL NOT BACK DOWN FROM YOU or anything for that matterand can tear you up pretty good. My friend Jim found out the hard way. He had trapped one in a foothold trap, clubbed it, thought it was dead and ended up with like 30 stitches and almost a few missing fingers when all of a sudden it sprung back to life. They arent huge but haveteeth the size of a large dogs. Thats why 220 conibears are so much better if set up corectly.99 % of the time the animal will be deadif you catch it.Bring something with you to dispatch the animaljust incase. If you dont have a firearm a bat would be better then nothing. Slam him hard at the base of his skull then leave him alone a while to make sure it did the job. Seriously though make sure its dead.Definately check your state laws just to make sure you dont get into trouble. In most states you can kill nuisance animals.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

I have never heard tell of it in this area, and yes we do have fishers. They tend to stay away from populated areas as well. However we do have foxes and coyotes coming into towns and killing cats and in some cases dogs.. I have seen a fisher in close to a town but, more on the outside edges. I have never heard tell of a fisher killing any dogs...

Not in this state except under certain provisions!

Do yourself a favor and check the laws man, here you need to contact a warden and he will instruct you as who is licensed by the state to take care of them...This is a law to insure the right animal is taken care of. Also this law helps to cut down on poachers trying to kill other wildlife..

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Guess I should have warned you about new traps. They have oil on them, makes em hard to set. Soak them in soapy water and rince them off.That will help.If its still tough to keep set, just let em get some surface rust on them.Along with the safetys on the trap, an added safety can be used, bought at the same place. PM. me and Ill walk you through it.

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Okay I've set up two traps so far. At this point they are just set up with the trap safety still on and no bait.

Before I bait them I'm looking for opinions on my trap placement? Too high, too steep, etc. Please take a look at the following pics....any opinions good or bad would be appreciated. I just want to get it right before I put the lure/bait out.



Many thanks,
Steve

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Same trap different angle

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Second trap.........

Also is there a way to post a picture so it can be view in the thread and doesn't have to be viewed as an attachment?

RE: Help Trapping a "Fisher cat"
 

Everything you have there looks good, provided the trap is wired down real well. Now when you bait , you are going to have to cover the bait with pine branches so birds cant see it. Otherwise you may catch a hawk.You can take a bundle and wire them together, then wire them to one side,and do the same on the other side, using the trap as a frame,do this AFTER the bait is wired in. be sure no sticks are going to get bit by the trap. You may think about spreading the trigger out a little to make the animal feel a little better about going in.Out of the box traps always need a little modification.
Good luck!