Watching these trained mink hunt muskrats is very unique and great for keeping populations stable.
In this episode of HUSH Eric meets up with Mink Man to hunt muskrats with the mink that he trained to hunt these small furbearers.
Joseph Carter, aka the Mink Man, is hired to hunt nuisance animals in Salt Lake Valley and beyond.
Animals like muskrats and beavers burrow in holes in the side of banks and canals that eventually cause erosion.
The canals are designed for agriculture irrigation, so one can imagine that it would cost farmers and cities a lot of time and resources if they needed to rebuild these canals.
The process is very interesting to watch. Joseph finds fresh sign from muskrats and releases his mink to run into the hole and catch the muskrat. Joseph will use the muskrat for fur and meat for his minks that he rewards them with for their work.
Joseph says it’s also enrichment for the mink. They still get to hunt for their own food in the wild, but they get taken care of in captivity.
Hunting muskrats for Joseph takes the form of pest control when certain clients want him to remove the rodents. Rarely do mink get hurt when they catch the muskrat, however, sometimes it happens. Muskrats have giant teeth that can be dangerous.
At times, Joseph will even bring his dogs to help catch the muskrats if the mink loses the quarry in the heat of the chase.
Joseph also has a YouTube channel where he shows off his work. It’s well worth checking out.
Like what you see here? Read more hunting articles by Nathan Unger at whitetailguruhunting.com. Nathan is also the host of the Whitetail Guru Hunting Podcast.
NEXT: COYOTE HUNTERS SCORE $9,240 FOR BAG OF 20
WATCH
The post Watching Mink Hunt Muskrats Might Be the Coolest Thing You've Seen All Winter appeared first on Wide Open Spaces.
