Montana’s general land-trapping furbearer season for bobcat, marten, fisher, and wolverine opened Dec. 1. The general water-trapping furbearer season began on Nov. 1 for beaver, otter, muskrat and mink. Trapping seasons end on Feb. 15, 2002 for terrestrial furbearers and April 15, 2002 for semi-aquatic furbearers. Season closures may vary, however, if harvest quotas are met prior to season closing dates. The bobcat season runs until Mar. 1, 2002 in the central and eastern portion of the state and to Feb. 15 in all other areas in Montana. Furbearers are designated under state law and may be harvested during limited seasons. Harvest quotas, season length, and trapping methods are regulated by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission. The Furbearer 2000-2001 Montana Trapping Regulations are available at any FWP office. Trappers and hunters should also be aware that lynx cannot be taken in Montana. The lynx is listed as a threatened species in 16 states, including Montana, under the federal Endangered Species Act. Taking a lynx by trapping or shooting is prohibited. Over 2,600 resident Trapper Licenses were sold in Montana last year. FWP expects populations of most furbearer species to be very good this season, with beaver, bobcat and marten numbers high. Other wildlife species such as coyote, fox and raccoon also are abundant across the state. Species quotas for bobcat and fisher are in place and trappers and houndsmen may call 1-800-711-8727 to obtain current harvest information during the furbearer seasons.
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