COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohio hunters and trappers set to begin their pursuit of furbearers should find success this year, as populations of these animals remain stable across the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
In most regions of Ohio, hunting and trapping seasons for fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk, and weasel open Monday, November 10, and close January 31, 2004. The trapping season for mink and muskrat is open November 10 through February 29, 2004.
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, 2004.
Ohio's beaver-trapping season opens December 26 across the state, except in the northeast zone (north of I-76 and east of I-77) when the season opens January 10, 2004. Beaver season closes statewide February 29, 2004.
There are no daily bag limits or restrictions on hours when furbearers may be hunted or trapped. Special hunting regulations apply during the one-week statewide deer-gun season December 1-7.
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.
Although river otters were removed last year from the state endangered species list, they may not be hunted or trapped in Ohio. River otters were reintroduced into four Ohio watersheds between 1986 and 1993 and continue to increase their range in the state. Otters that are accidentally captured must be released unharmed. Otters that cannot be released must be turned over to the ODNR Division of Wildlife.
Beaver trappers in particular, are advised to watch for otter sign and modify their set placements in areas where otters are known to occur. The Ohio State Trappers Association and the ODNR Division of Wildlife have published a guide on how to recognize otter sign and use various otter avoidance techniques while trapping for beaver. 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 98 licensed fur dealers and 28,905 licensed fur takers in the state.
Additional hunting information is contained in the 2003-2004 Hunting and Trapping Regulations brochure, available where Ohio hunting licenses are sold, on the Internet at ohiodnr.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-WILDLIFE.