FWP Commission Adopts Tentative Furbearer Regulations

Print

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on tentative furbearer regulations for the 2002 and 2003 trapping and hunting seasons.

In one change, trappers and hunters would be required to personally present, within five days of harvest, the pelts of furbearers that require tagging and personally provide harvest information to the FWP office responsible for the trapping district where the animal was taken. These new requirements are in addition to the current requirement that trappers and hunters personally report their bobcat and fisher harvest within 24 hours. The regulations changes are necessary to collect accurate and complete

harvest information.

Chase-only seasons for bobcat were adjusted to open Feb. 16-April 14 in trapping districts 1, 2, and 3 and open Mar. 2-April 14 in trapping districts 4, 5, 6, and 7. This adjustment was made so the chase only seasons start the day after the hunting and trapping seasons close. Bobcat quotas were also increased by 25 in district 4 and by 50 bobcats in district 5.

The statewide quota for fisher has been removed, with no change in the quota of 2 fisher in trapping district 1 and 5 fisher in trapping district 2. These quotas would be independent of one another so that reaching or exceeding a quota in a district will not affect the fisher season in another district.

The Commission adopted a tentative proposal to establish a harvest quota system for otter. This represents a change from previous regulations, which since 1956 have permitted the taking of one otter per trapper. A healthy and expanding otter population in Montana enables this change, increasing opportunity for resident trappers and providing better management of otter harvest levels.

Finally, the date to apply for a permit to trap on FWP owned Wildlife Management Areas was changed from Sept. 15 to Sept. 30. Season dates vary depending on the Wildlife Management Area and special regulations may apply.

Public comments should be emailed to: fwpwld@state.mt.us or submitted in writing to FWP Wildlife Division, 1420 East Sixth Ave., PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701 by July 22. The tentative regulations and any related material can be obtained by calling (406) 444-2612.

Final furbearer regulations will be adopted by the FWP Commission at its August meeting. Furbearer regulations are generally available mid-September.