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Oct
30
Written by:
ODNR Division of Wildlife
10/30/2007
OHIO HUNTING, TRAPPING SEASONS FOR FURBEARERS
OPEN NOVEMBER 10
River otters can be trapped beginning in late December
COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio hunters and trappers set to begin pursuing furbearers will find good populations of these animals during the 2007-2008 season, which begins on November 10.
“Food sources and habitat conditions for furbearers have been very good this year across Ohio,” said Mark Shieldcastle, wetland wildlife supervisor for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. “Fur takers can expect a good season.”
For the third year, 43 counties will be open for river otter trapping from December 26 to February 29, 2008. River otters were reintroduced into four Ohio watersheds between 1986 and 1993 and have increased their range in the state. They were removed from the state endangered species list in 2002. Full details of open counties, checking and permit requirements can be found in River Otter Trapping Regulations.
In most regions of Ohio, hunting and trapping seasons for fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel open Saturday, November 10, and close January 31, 2008. The trapping season for mink and muskrat is open November 10 through February 29, 2008.
Exceptions are Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky counties, and in Lucas County east of the Maumee River where raccoon, mink and muskrat trapping seasons will remain open through March 15, 2008.
Ohio's beaver-trapping season runs December 26 to February 29, 2008 statewide.
There are no daily bag limits or restrictions on hours when furbearers may be hunted or trapped, with the exception of river otters where bag limits are dependent on the county where the trapping occurs. Special hunting regulations for coyotes apply during the one-week statewide deer-gun season November 26-December 2 and the deer-gun weekend of December 15-16.
A fur-taker permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license to hunt or trap fur-bearing animals, except for coyotes, which may be hunted or trapped year round without a fur-taker permit. A special Division of Wildlife permit is required to trap beaver and otters on state public hunting areas.
As before, otters that are accidentally captured, either in excess of bag limits or in closed counties, must be released unharmed. Otters that cannot be released must be turned over to the Division of Wildlife.
Beaver trappers in particular, are advised to watch for otter sign and modify their set placements where necessary. The Ohio State Trappers Association and the Division of Wildlife have published a guide on how to recognize otter sign and use various otter avoidance techniques while trapping for beaver in areas closed to otter trapping. A copy of this publication and reports about observing otters in Ohio can be ordered by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.
Ohio is among the nation’s leading producers of raw furs. Last year, there were 94 licensed fur dealers and 26,224 licensed fur takers in the state.
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