Wisconsin Furbearer trapping seasons set to open
MADISON –Trappers should have a good season this year, with good numbers of most species available in most areas, according to John Olson, furbearer specialist with the state Department of Natural Resources.
Although, he also cautions that spring flooding may have affected a few species locally so successful trappers will want to do some scouting ahead of time. The 2008 trapping seasons open in the north on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 in the south.
“Wisconsin is blessed with a wonderful diversity of common and unique members of this interesting group of wildlife,” Olson says. “Beaver, coyote, raccoon, and muskrat are good examples of the more abundant and common species. In contrast, the more secretive bobcat, fisher and otter are doing well in the North, and slowly expanding southward. And then there's the American marten, barely holding its own in two small regions of the North.”
Mike Zeckmeister, northern region wildlife supervisor from Antigo, urges trappers and hunters to “make sure you do your homework with pre-season scouting and make sure you obtain permission from the landowner well in advance. ”
Detailed regional information on furbearing species by area biologists and conservation wardens is available on the DNR Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: John Olson, Furbearer Specialist, (715)685-2934, or Caleb Bilda, Assistant Furbearer Specialist, (608)261-6452
