Furbearer Trapping Seasons Open

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The furbearer trapping season opened Nov. 1 for beaver, otter, muskrat and mink, while the bobcat, marten, fisher and wolverine seasons open Dec. 1

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say furbearer populations are generally healthy in most areas around the state.

“The furbearer species of most interest to trappers right now is the bobcat,” said Brian Giddings, FWP furbearer coordinator in Helena.  

Giddings said bobcat populations are generally stable to increasing, allowing higher harvest quotas in trapping district three, around Bozeman, and trapping district five, around Billings, for the 2003-2004 season.

Bobcat quotas in trapping district three increased from 175 to 200 and in trapping district five increased from 300 to 350.

Trappers are reminded to personally report their bobcat and otter harvests within 24 hours to the FWP regional office responsible for the trapping district where the animal was taken, so FWP can monitor district quotas. The FWP offices are open weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Or, call 406-449-1065 after hours and on weekends. Pelts must be tagged within five days of the harvest.

A new law passed by the 2003 Legislature allows resident youth 12 years of age and older to purchase a license to harvest all furbearer species. A youth trapper’s license, valid for only mink and muskrat, is now free to youngsters 6-11 years of age.

The Montana trapping regulations, and the season addendum listing these changes, are available at all FWP regional offices and the Helena FWP headquarters.