Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Reminds Trappers Of Changes In The 2004-05 Furbearer Regulations

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials remind trappers that there are some important changes in the 2004-05 furbearer regulations including:

* 24-Hour Reporting   - Anyone who harvests a bobcat, otter, fisher, or wolverine must report it within 24 hours to the new toll free line for furbearer harvest reporting: 1-800-230-9865. To assure consistent harvest management, trappers and hunters can now only report a harvest to the 800 number.

* Pelt Tagging – Furbearer pelts must be tagged and registered within 10 days of the close of the season in that trapping district for that particular species.

* State Lands – A resident conservation license now allows hunters, anglers and trappers access to all legally accessible state lands.   However, licensed trappers are required to obtain a free Special Recreational Use License (SRUL) from the DNRC before trapping or snaring on state school trust lands.   Trapping activities may be restricted to those state lands as approved in the SRUL by the DNRC area manager.

* Beaver Damage – The FWP Commission lengthened the beaver season in Trapping Districts 4, 5, 6 and 7 from Sept. 1 – May 31, 2005 to address beaver damage issues.   The beaver season in Trapping Districts 1, 2 and 3 remains Nov. 1 – April 15, 2005.  

* Wolverine Management Units – Trapping districts have been grouped into three wolverine management units and with harvest quota levels for each unit.

For details, contact Brian Giddings, State Furbearer Coordinator, Helena, 444-0042.